Are you ready for the festive season's homecomings? As you tidy up your guest room and plan chilly weather activities, bear in mind that your loved ones aren't the only ones seeking refuge. With dropping temperatures, creatures like spiders, rodents, termites, among others, are all drawn to your cozy, warm home. Make sure your home is invite-only this season with the professional pest control services at Steve’s Pest Control.

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Missouri’s Autumn Pests and Their Preferred Hideouts

Among the fall pests, spiders are often the first unwelcome guests you may notice. These eight-legged invaders tend to inhabit the darker, less explored corners of your home, creating their winter retreats. They especially enjoy basements where their cobweb creations are less likely to be disturbed. While spiders play a role in controlling other pests, their presence can be alarming, particularly when potentially harmful species like black widows and brown recluses are found.

Flies and beetles are other, more noticeable pest intruders you may encounter during autumn. Flies can be a real nuisance as they flutter around your kitchen, interfering with your beloved fall baking activities. Beetles, on the other hand, scuttle across your floors and infiltrate your pantry, feasting on fruits, grains, and anything edible. If you’re noticing an uptick in pest numbers in your mid-Missouri home, use our convenient Pest ID tool to identify them. Once you have, contact Steve’s Pest Control to deal with them professionally.

What Pests Become More Active in the Fall in Missouri?

If you've recently discovered unwanted guests in your home, it likely means critters that typically stay outdoors are now searching for warmth indoors. Mice and cockroaches are easy to identify, but what about that unusual spider in the coat closet? Ensure your family's safety by recognizing the types of pests you are likely to encounter this season.

Common Pests That May Visit Your Missouri Home in the Winter

Rodents:

Mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter in homes during the fall months. As temperatures begin to drop, these small creatures look for warm, safe places to nest. They can squeeze through tiny gaps in your home's foundation, walls, or roof, often going unnoticed until their presence becomes evident. Once inside, they can quickly make themselves at home, potentially causing damage to insulation and wiring.

Spiders:

As temperatures drop, many spiders seek indoor hiding spots to escape the cold. While most spiders found indoors are harmless and even beneficial due to their diet of other insects, their sudden appearance on walls or ceilings can be unsettling for some homeowners. They often prefer dark, undisturbed corners in basements, attics, or closets.

Ants:

Certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, start moving indoors during the fall in search of food and warmth. These ants are particularly concerning because they can create nests within walls and wood structures, potentially causing structural damage over time. They are attracted to sweet and greasy foods, so keeping kitchens and pantries clean can help deter them.

Wasps and Hornets:

In late summer and early fall, wasps and hornets become more aggressive as they prepare for winter. Their search for food intensifies, and they may be drawn to sugary drinks and food scraps. If they find a gap in your home's exterior, they might attempt to nest inside, posing a risk of painful stings to residents and pets.

Daddy Longlegs:

Though they rank among the largest on our common fall pest list, they are also the least intrusive. Daddy longlegs, or harvestmen, eat aphids, dead bugs, rotting food, and almost anything else they find. While they are beneficial garden helpers, their indoor presence is not appreciated.

Pests That Could Disrupt Your Missouri Winter Comfort

Wasps:

No one appreciates wasps. Their stings are painful, and they often hover around your home’s exterior. While wasps generally sting when their nests are disturbed, this can turn into an issue if the nest is too close to frequently used doors or windows. While worker wasps usually perish in the cold, queen wasps may enter your home through roof cracks or gaps in your siding. This may not pose an immediate issue, but when temperatures rise in spring, you may find queen wasps flying around indoors.

Ladybugs:

Although cute and beneficial gardeners, ladybugs enjoy the warmth of your home and often shelter in large groups. While out of sight, they might not be a problem, but when they start clustering in your windows or living room corners, they become a nuisance. They can emit a pungent odor when disturbed, leading to reactions in some people.

Dangerous Missouri Pests to Keep an Eye Out for This Fall

Termites:

If your home has a wood-burning fireplace or a stove, ensure your firewood is stored well away from the house. Termites, like humans, detest cold weather. Stack wood near your home is like sending an open invitation to them. Missouri’s subterranean termites can bore through foundation cracks and invade your home. Any weakness in your foundation is a strength for termites.

Brown Recluse:

These venomous spiders tend to inhabit boxes, basements, attics, and other less-used spaces. As you unpack holiday decorations or clean unused areas, remain vigilant for brown recluses. You can identify them by their violin-shaped body and their light-tan to dark-brown color.

Safeguarding Your Home with Professional Help

Don't wait until pests become a problem—take proactive measures to keep your home safe and cozy throughout the winter months. The wide array of pests in Missouri, from rodents and spiders to termites and wasps, requires a comprehensive approach to pest control. At Steve’s Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges these pests present and offer personalized strategies to address them.

Our experienced team is ready to inspect your home, identify potential entry points, and deliver effective solutions to keep these unwelcome visitors at bay. Safeguard your home this winter by contacting us today, and ensure that your space remains a haven for you and your loved ones, not for pests. Let us handle the critters, so you can focus on enjoying the beauty and warmth of the season with peace of mind.

Prepare for the Winter with Professional Pest Control