Why Do We See So Many Pests in the Fall?

Summary: Fall’s cooler temperatures and shorter days drive pests like rodents, stink bugs, and roaches indoors. Use these quick prevention tips to keep your home pest‑free.

When the weather turns crisp, pests start seeking out their winter shelter. Our homes check all of the boxes: warmth, food, water, and hidden places to nest. That’s why fall is prime time for these overwintering pests to invade living spaces, basements, attics, and garages. If they get indoors before the first frost, these pests don’t have to worry about surviving the winter chill.

Let’s find out why we see so many pests in the fall and learn the best ways to keep them out of your home all year long!

The Basic Science

The answer to the titular question can be summed up in one word: desperation. These pests show their desperation for a safe shelter from the incoming cold by swarming our houses and buildings, looking for a way inside.

Cooler nights and shorter days flip a biological switch for many insects and rodents. As temperatures drop, pests search for warm shelters. The decreasing daylight tells them to seek shelter so they can go dormant for the winter. 

Our yards and homes provide plenty of hiding spots, especially in the fall. Leaf piles, stacked firewood, and natural debris from storms all make our yards habitable. Houses provide moisture and food sources in addition to the warmth, so pests will take every opportunity to try and get inside.

The Usual Suspects

Every region has a different set of common pests since the weather patterns and resources change with each setting. On the East Coast, these pests are our typical fall invaders:

• Rodents: House mice and rats are common winter pests because they sneakily invade homes in the fall. If you see droppings or hear scratching at night, they’re nearby.

• Stink bugs: They gather on sunny exterior walls, then slip through gaps in the windows and siding. They’re harmless, but stink bugs are nuisances you do not want inside.

• Boxelder bugs: Similar to stink bugs, boxelder bugs congregate on sunny walls and boxelder trees before they sneak inside a nearby house or building.

• Spiders: These arachnids follow their prey indoors. If you see a lot of spiders or webbing indoors, there are likely other pests at play here. 

• Cockroaches: Roaches usually stay near water lines, appliances, and cardboard. German roaches are notorious for hitchhiking in boxes, so check your packages!

• Ants: When their outdoor food sources dwindle, ants move to forage indoors. They’re especially active after a rainstorm or yard disturbance, like mowing the lawn.

• Cluster flies: These fuzzy flies gather in attics and near upper-story windows on warm fall afternoons. They squeeze through cracks in the exterior and hide in warm spaces.

Why Do Pests Like My Home?

If this question crosses your mind, you’re not alone. Many people wonder why their home seems to be a pest magnet if they keep everything relatively clean and tidy. While a cluttered or unsanitary space is technically more likely to attract pests, clean homes are still vulnerable if pests have a way to get inside. 

Pests usually invade homes by sneaking in through these avenues:

• Unsealed gaps around utility penetrations, dryer vents, and foundation cracks

• Worn door sweeps and weatherstripping

• Torn window screens or unscreened attic/soffit vents

• Firewood stacked against the house 

• Leaf piles packed against the foundation

• Clogged gutters and standing water near the structure

• Easy access to trash cans next to the house

10 Ways to Keep Pests at Bay

Spiders and bugs are popular Halloween decorations, but that doesn’t mean we want the real deal hanging around our homes! Here are our top tips for a pest-free autumn:

• Seal cracks and small gaps with exterior‑grade caulk. Fill larger openings with steel wool before lining with caulk.

• Install fresh door sweeps if the originals are worn out. Also, replace loose weatherstripping and add brush seals to garage doors.

• Add screens to attic, crawlspace, and dryer vents. The ¼‑inch mesh is best for preventing rodents.

• Repair or replace torn window and door screens. If you don’t already have them, add escutcheon plates to pipe penetrations.

• Clean up the yard by raking up leaf piles, keeping shrubs trimmed at least 1 foot from the siding, and elevating firewood.

• Store pantry items (cereal, baking ingredients, etc.) in airtight containers. Keep the pantry shelves and countertops clean by wiping up crumbs. 

• Fix leaks ASAP and make sure sinks and bathtubs drain properly. If your basement or crawlspace gets humid, consider adding a dehumidifier to the space.

• Swap white bulbs in your outdoor fixtures for warm-toned bulbs to make them less appealing to pests. Turn off unnecessary lights at night to limit nocturnal pest attractants. 

• Use strong trash bags in your kitchen garbage can, and take out the trash when it’s full. Keep the lids to the outdoor garbage cans closed at all times. 

• Schedule regular pest control services to maintain a pest-preventing barrier around your home in every season.

Fall Into a Pest-Free Season with Green!

If you’re seeing fresh droppings, hearing scratching or squeaking in the walls, or spotting live insects, the most efficient solution is targeted treatments from Green Pest Services. DIY methods can’t keep every fall pest away on their own. Professional treatments, exclusion, and monitoring protect your home, family and pets from invasive pests.

Fall should mean cider and sweaters, not pest infestations. Contact us to book your seasonal treatment now and enjoy the thorough service from our caring team.

Citations

Aloi, P. (2024, October 24). 14 fall pests to watch for in your home and how to get rid of them ASAP. The Spruce. Available at https://www.thespruce.com/common-fall-pests-8726035 (Accessed on September 29, 2025).