The Most Common Fall Pests in North Carolina and How to Protect Your Home

Fall brings cooler weather, but also an influx of pests seeking warmth and shelter. Homeowners in North Carolina often see an increase in pest activity during the autumn months as insects and rodents look for overwintering sites. Knowing which pests to watch for and how to prevent infestations can save you time and money.

Common Fall Pests in North Carolina 

• Stink Bugs: The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug invades homes in large numbers during fall, gathering on sunny walls and windows trying to find entry points. They release a foul odor when disturbed.
• Boxelder Bugs: Boxelder bugs are black with striking red/orange markings and cluster on warm walls in the fall. While they don’t cause structural damage, they can be a significant nuisance in large numbers, often staining surfaces with their droppings.
• Rodents (Mice and Rats) Mice and rats seek warmth indoors as temperatures drop. They can damage wiring (a fire hazard), contaminate food, and pose serious health risks by spreading diseases like Hantavirus. Rodent activity often peaks in the fall and winter.
• Cluster Flies: Cluster flies enter attics and wall voids to overwinter, often becoming active indoors on warm days throughout the winter. They don’t bite but can be a nuisance when large numbers emerge.

How to Prevent Fall Pest Problems

Exclusion is the most effective strategy against overwintering pests.

• Seal cracks and openings around doors, windows, utility lines, and foundations. Look for gaps as small as a dime, which is all a mouse needs to enter. [Internal link: Home Pest Prevention Tips]
• Keep firewood and debris (like building materials) away from your home’s exterior and off the ground.
• Maintain clean kitchens and store food securely in sealed containers to eliminate food sources.
• Install or repair door sweeps and window screens to keep flying pests out.
• Schedule a professional pest inspection before cold weather sets in to identify and seal hidden entry points.

When to Call in Professional Pest Control

If you notice large numbers of pests (like a swarm of stink bugs) or signs of rodent activity (droppings, gnawing, noises), early professional intervention can prevent costly damage and serious health risks.

Fall pests are a predictable part of life in North Carolina, but you don’t have to face them alone. Contact B&T Pest Control for expert fall pest prevention and control services to keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.