Oct 29, 2024, 14:15 PM by Fred Speer

Halloween means temperatures are starting to moderate, and the natural food sources pests rely on are becoming scarcer. The change in weather and loss of food alters pest behavior and forces them into ‘survival’ mode meaning they will seek to gain access inside your home in search of food and a warm place to spend the winter.

Clark, your neighborly pest control, termite and rodent control expert, wants California and northern Nevada homeowners to be on the lookout for the following ghoulish pests this Halloween and take proactive steps to prevent these unwanted trick or treaters from crashing the party.

Homeowners can take preemptive action to help reduce pest threats and  minimize the chances of them spoiling your Halloween celebrations.

• Seal Entry Points: Ensure that windows, doors, and any gaps around the foundation or roof are well-sealed.

• Maintain Cleanliness: Keeping both indoor and outdoor areas free from food debris, trash, and rotting organic matter will reduce pest attraction.
• Inspect Decorations: Before bringing Halloween decorations from storage or outdoors, inspect them for pests like spiders, beetles, or rodents.

Spiders

Spiders are common in fall and thrive during this season as they hunt insects preparing for winter.

 

Spider Prevention Tips

• Regularly clean around windows, corners, and baseboards to remove webs.
• Seal cracks and gaps in your home's exterior to prevent spiders from entering.
• Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow lightbulbs to reduce the number of insects (which attract spiders).

Rodents

Cooler temperatures drive rodents indoors in search of food and warmth. Halloween decorations (i.e., corn stalks, hay bales, etc.), leftover candy or cookies, and carved pumpkins can also attract them.

 

Rodent Prevention Tips

• Store candy in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills immediately.
• Avoid leaving carved pumpkins outside for long periods, as they attract rodents when they begin to rot.
• Inspect and seal gaps or holes around the house where rodents could enter.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are drawn to food and sweets, which are abundant during Halloween due to trick-or-treating and parties.

 

Cockroach Prevention Tips

• Clean up any leftover candy wrappers and food spills immediately.
• Store Halloween candy in sealed containers.
• Keep garbage tightly sealed and dispose of it regularly.
  

Ants

Ants are attracted to sugary foods, so candy left out for trick-or-treaters or indoors can lure them in.

 

Ant Prevention Tips

• Wipe down countertops and sweep floors to remove food particles.
• Store candy in sealed containers.

 

Flies

As temperatures drop, flies seek warmth indoors. Rotten pumpkins and sweets left out can also attract them.

 

Fly Prevention Tips

• Dispose of carved pumpkins when they begin to decay.
• Keep windows and doors closed or install screens to prevent flies from entering.
• Clean up food spills and keep the kitchen tidy.

 

Beetles and Moths

Fall brings an increase in the presence of some beetles and moths, which may be attracted to light and outdoor decorations.

 

Beetle and Moth Prevention Tips

• Use outdoor lighting sparingly to reduce insect attraction.
• Inspect and shake out outdoor decorations before bringing them inside.
  
  

Pest Control from Clark Pest Control

Call California’s trusted, friendly pest control expert at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or send an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to have a licensed professional come visit and review your pest situation.

 

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control