Fall is in full swing in the South and many people think that the end of summer means the end of pests. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. While some do disappear when the temperature drops, there are still a handful that stick around (many times, they’ll find their way into your home for warmth or shelter).
Our Columbia, Florence, and Charleston pest control company advises you to be on the lookout for these common fall pests:
Stink Bugs
These brown bugs are harmless, but if you squish them, you’ll encounter a pretty unpleasant odor. Watch out – these bugs seem to come out of nowhere and can leave an invisible chemical trail telling other stink bugs where the shelter is.
Kudzu Bugs
Also know as “shield” bugs, these pests are found mainly in the Carolinas and Georgia. They won’t feed on your plants, however, they’ll emit an unpleasant smelling liquid if they feel threatened. If you happen to come in contact with this liquid, you may feel a burning sensation or be left with a red welt.
Boxelder Bugs
If you have boxelder trees, ash trees, or oak trees in your yard, you may enctouner long, thin black bugs in the area. They sport red markings on their wings and often gather by the hundreds. Usually they stay outside of homes, but can find their way indoors through cracks.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are extremely active from the end of summer through fall, but since they feed on caterpillars and other insects, they can be beneficial to your home (and especially your garden, if you have one). Just don’t make them mad, otherwise you’ll be in for a painful sting and the swelling that follows.
Lawn Grubs
If you have a garden, be on the lookout for lawn grubs. During the fall, lawn grub eggs hatch and you’ll find pests that looks like thick, white caterpillars. The new grubs will feed on your grass and plants and if they’re not taken care of, they’ll continue to do so well into the spring.
Ants
Ants can be a problem during every season, including fall. While they love eating the leftover crumbs in your kitchen and other areas, you may also find them in your firewood, so be sure to store it away from your home.
Ladybugs
Once cooler temperatures hit, ladybugs seek shelter inside homes. Though they’re hard to spot, they can leave behind a yellow liquid that can stain clothing and other fabrics. Otherwise, they’re harmless.
Rodents
Though they’re not insects, rodents can also be pests come fall. As temperatures get colder, they’ll begin seeking shelter – which means they may choose to nest in the walls or attic of your home. Since rodents like mice and rats need to chew on things to keep their teeth from growing, they can end up chewing things they shouldn’t (like electrical wires) and cause fire hazards and other damage.
If you discover a pest infestation in your home this fall, contact our Columbia, Florence, and Charleston pest control company as soon as possible.
