7 Pest Control Tips for Fall

As temperatures drop, pests like stink bugs, boxelder bugs and other cold-weather invaders start searching for warmth, and your home may be their top target. Fall isn’t just about changing leaves and cozy nights by the fire; it’s also the perfect time to block out unwanted guests before they settle in.

At TruGreen, we believe pest control starts with prevention. With insights from our local experts, these smart, simple fall pest control tips will help you safeguard your home and enjoy a season that’s comfortable, protected and pest-free. 

Think of your home like a fortress, and your first line of defense is making sure there are no secret tunnels for pests to sneak in. The truth is, many critters only need a tiny crack — about the size of a pencil — to settle inside your walls for the winter.

Grab a flashlight and take a good look around your home’s exterior and keep an eye out for those sneaky little gaps and openings around:

• Windows and doors
• Foundation walls
• Attic vents
• Chimneys
• Crawl spaces
• Utility lines and pipe penetrations
• Garage doors and even animal doors

This is the time to get out your caulk gun and door sweeps! Seal up small cracks with silicone caulk, replace worn-out door sweeps and cover bigger holes with wire mesh. And don’t overlook your window screens. One tiny tear can be an open invitation to flies, Asian lady beetles and other unwanted guests.

By locking down these entry points, you’re not just keeping out fall pests — you’re shutting the door on year-round intruders like carpenter ants and spiders, who love the warm spots inside your home as much as you do.

Caution: When sealing high or hard-to reach areas, always use caution with ladders and elevated spaces to ensure safety. 

When it comes to keeping pests out this fall, prevention is everything. These critters are expert opportunists. They’ll sneak in through the tiniest leaks, damp spots or unsealed crawl spaces if you give them the chance.

Take a little time this season to tackle these home maintenance must-dos:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts to keep moisture from piling up where pests love to hang out.
• Give your basement and attic a close look for leaks, water stains or sneaky drafts.
• Swap out any worn insulation in crawl spaces and attics to seal off hiding spots.
• Make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly and isn’t creating damp areas.
• Check around vents, pipes and dryer ducts for any gaps or openings.

These simple fixes do more than just save energy — they make your home a less inviting place for pests like silverfish and even bed bugs. 

When it comes to fall pests, where you live matters — a lot. The bugs buzzing around in Georgia aren’t the same ones trying to hibernate in homes up in Minnesota. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach to pest control doesn’t cut it.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common fall pests by region:

• Northeast: Cluster flies and stink bugs love cozying up indoors.
• Midwest: Boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles and ants are the usual suspects.
• South: Think cockroaches, mosquitoes, mud daubers and more ants (they love the warmth!).
• West: You might spot scorpions, sow bugs, spiders and earwigs making their move.

Another big one to watch out for on your lawn specifically? The fall armyworm — a fast-moving, lawn-destroying caterpillar that’s been making headlines across much of the country. These pests can turn a healthy lawn brown practically overnight. Learn how to spot them and take action with TruGreen’s fall armyworm guide. 

Sometimes, a little DIY can go a long way. But when pests keep coming back or things start to feel out of control, it’s time to call in the experts.

Here are a few signs that it’s probably time to get professional help:

• Cockroach or ant activity keeps returning, no matter what you spray.
• You’ve found damage to wood, insulation or wiring — pests may be nesting inside.
• Bugs are clustering in corners, around lights or along windows and baseboards.

These issues can escalate quickly, and over-the-counter sprays or traps often don’t address the root cause.

That’s where TruGreen comes in.

Our pest control experts don’t just treat surface-level symptoms; we get to the source. Using expert solutions tailored to your region and season, we target the pests that are active now and help prevent future ones from settling in by safeguarding your home’s perimeter.

Ready to reclaim your home before pests settle in for the season? Explore TruGreen’s pest control services and take the guesswork out of protection. 

Fall might be prime time for pest prevention, but keeping your home pest-free is a year-round effort. Pests don’t take seasons off. Many will hunker down in your home for the winter, only to reappear stronger come spring.

The best defense? Stay one step ahead with a prevention mindset that lasts all year long. Here’s how to keep pests in check beyond the fall season:

• Keep up with routine inspections — even in winter.
• Book your spring pest control services early to beat the rush.
• Stay alert to seasonal triggers like snowmelt, rising humidity and new plant growth.