Your Ultimate Guide on How to Get Rid of Common Fall Bugs

It's that time of year again: the leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and the bugs are coming out to find food. If you're like most people, you probably don't enjoy dealing with bugs - especially when they start invading your home. But don't worry. This guide will teach you how to get rid of common fall bugs so you can enjoy the season without them.

1. How to Identify Common Fall Insects

There are many different types of bugs that come out in the fall, but there are a few that are more common than others. Here are a few of the most common fall pests:

• Carpenter bees: These bees are large and black, and they love to build their nests in wood. 

• Crickets: Crickets are small insects that make a chirping noise. They're often found near lights or windows. While they're not harmful, they can be a nuisance.

• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are small, red, and black insects. They're harmless and actually beneficial to gardens, but they can become a nuisance if they invade your home.

• Stink bugs: Stink bugs get their name from the fact that they release a foul odor when disturbed. You'll find them hanging out on plants or in gardens.

• Cluster flies: Cluster flies are dark-colored and often congregate in large groups. These fall bugs are attracted to homes in the fall because they're looking for a warm place to spend the winter.

• Moths: Moths are small, winged insects that come in a variety of colors. They're attracted to lights and can often be found near windows.

• Spiders: Spiders can be found in a variety of colors and sizes. They'll most likely be found in dark, secluded areas like basements or closets.

• Roly polys: They're also known as pillbugs or woodlice. They're small, dark-colored insects that like to live in damp areas.

• Bees, yellow jackets, and hornets: These fall insects are often active in the fall as they search for food before winter. While they're not typically aggressive, they can sting if they feel threatened.

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are often found in kitchens or bathrooms. These fall bugs are one of the most common household pests and can be difficult to get rid of.

2. What Attracts Fall Bugs to Your Home and Yard

There are a few things that these fall pests are attracted to:

• Lights: Many bugs that come out in fall, like moths and cluster flies, are drawn to lights. If you have any outdoor lights, consider turning them off or using yellow "bug" bulbs instead of white ones.

• Scents: Fragrances and other strong scents can attract fall bugs like bees and hornets. If you use scented candles or sprays, try to avoid using them near doors or windows. Be careful about using scented candles, air fresheners, or perfumes if you're trying to avoid these pests.

• Open windows and doors: Bugs can easily come into your home through open windows and doors. If you want to keep them out, make sure to keep these openings closed as much as possible.

• Unsealed food: Cockroaches and other fall bugs are attracted to food that's left out in the open. Make sure to seal up any food that you're not currently eating to avoid attracting these pests.

• Trash: Bugs are attracted to trash because it's often full of food scraps. If you have any garbage cans outside, make sure they're sealed tightly to keep away bugs like cockroaches and roly polys.

• Dampness in your home: Fall insects like roly polys and stink bugs like damp and dark places. If your home is damp, it's more likely to attract these pests. Make sure to repair any leaks and keep your home well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup.

3. How to Prevent Fall Bugs from Entering Your Home

There are a few things you can do to prevent these fall pests from entering your home in the first place:

• Keep your doors and windows closed: As we mentioned before, open doors and windows are an open invitation for bugs to come inside. So, make sure to keep them closed as much as possible.

• Fix any cracks or holes: Take a look around your home and see if there are any cracks or holes that fall bugs could potentially use to get inside. If you find any gaps, make sure to seal them up with caulk or something similar.

• Clean up your yard: If you have any fall leaves or debris in your yard, make sure to clean it up as soon as possible. These items can attract bugs to your property.

• Use a screen: If you're going to open your doors or windows, make sure to use a screen. This will help to keep bugs out while still letting fresh air in.

• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home: If trees and shrubs are too close to your home, fall bugs can use them as a bridge to get inside. So, make sure to trim them back and keep them away from your house.

4. How to Get Rid of Bugs Once They're Inside

If you already have bugs in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them:

• Use a vacuum: Vacuuming and cleaning indoor spaces, especially corners, window sills, and doorways, can also help to get rid of fall insects that are already in your home. If you see fall bugs, you can also vacuum them up. This will help to get rid of it quickly and prevent them from laying eggs.

• Use traps: There are a variety of traps you can use to catch fall pests. For example, sticky traps are often used to catch roaches and other small insects. You can also use pheromone traps, which use special scents to attract bugs. Some traps can be placed indoors, while others need to be placed outdoors.

• Get yourself DIY pest control products: You can also find a variety of low-cost and effective pest control products that you can use to get rid of fall bugs. These include aerosol sprays, glue boards, IGR (insect growth regulator), insecticide concentrates, insecticide granules, insecticide dusts, and fogging products. With DIY solutions, you can save up to 80% compared with exterminator costs.

5. How to Prevent Bugs from Coming Back

Once you've gotten rid of bugs in your home, you'll want to take steps to prevent them from coming back. Here are a few things you can do:

• Keep your home clean: Vacuum regularly and clean up any spills immediately. This will help to prevent bugs from being attracted to your home.

• Store food correctly: Store food in airtight containers and make sure to seal up any open packages. This will help to keep fall bugs from being able to access it.

• Take care of your garbage: Don't let garbage build up in your home. Keep trash cans clean and make sure to take the garbage out regularly.

• Keep an eye on your pet's food: If you have pets, keep their food in airtight containers and clean up any spilled food immediately.

• Fix any leaks: As we mentioned before, some fall insects are attracted to moisture. So, if you have any leaks in your home, fix them as soon as possible.

• Maintain your garden and yard: Keep your yard free of debris and make sure your garden is well-maintained. Insects are meant to stay outdoors.

Shop DIY Pest Control Solutions

At DIY Pest Warehouse, we have a wide range of effective and affordable DIY pest control solutions. Whether you're dealing with ants, cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, or other common fall pests, we have the right product to help you get rid of them. We offer fast, free shipping in the U.S., reliable product support, and solutions for any pest. Want to learn more about fall bugs? Visit our pest guide section or contact our industry experts.