Winter may still be a few months away, but that doesn’t mean pests aren’t already gearing up for it. Fall is the time of year when insects and wildlife start preparing for the colder months, which means it should also be the time that you start preparing for the colder months. Which fall pest problems in central Washington should you look out for? Start with the four listed below.

Common Fall Pest Problems In Central WA

Silverfish
Silverfish are creepy looking bugs with a teardrop-shaped body, two long antennae, and three bristles that stick out of the back of them.

While not dangerous, silverfish do cause damage to food stores, clothing, and books when they get into your home.

They’ll come inside looking for warmth and moisture and can often be found within piles of damp laundry.

Earwigs
Earwigs are another creepy looking bug similar in appearance to silverfish except they are darker in color and have two pincers towards the back of them instead of the three bristles.

Earwigs are not dangerous, nor do they cause damage like silverfish, but they are a nuisance pest, especially since they tend to group together.

If you find an earwig in your house, you’ll likely end up with a lot of earwigs in your house.

Spiders
There are many types of spiders that live in central Washington. Most are simply nuisances. They won’t harm you, but they will be an annoyance. The larger problems from a spider infestation are twofold.

When spiders get into your home, it could be an indication of another pest problem. Spiders follow a food source, so they’re unlikely to stay in your house if there aren’t a steady supply of insects to eat.
When spiders reproduce, they lay hundreds of eggs. What starts as a small problem can quickly turn into a big problem when those eggs hatch.

Rodents
The biggest problem of the four pests we’ve discussed today, rodents are not something you want getting into your home.

Mice and rats spread disease, introduce a number of parasites into your home, and damage property, sometimes dangerously so.

Fall Pest Prevention Tips

In order to keep your home pest-free this fall and winter, it’s important to act now to make your home and property unattractive to pests. The following tips will help:

Outside Tips

Keep garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Don’t leave pet food outside.
Remove lawn debris and leaf litter.
Keep your grass trimmed.
Cut vegetation back away from your house.
Eliminate areas of excess moisture.
Seal all cracks in your foundation, holes in your siding, and gaps around windows and doors.
Cover vents and downspouts and cap chimneys.

Inside Tips

Take out the garbage frequently.
Clean up spills and messes as soon as they happen.
Store food in sealed containers instead of on the counter.
Vacuum and sweep regularly.
Eliminate areas of excess moisture.
Keep clutter to a minimum.

The Best Way To Prevent Fall Pest Problems In Central Washington

Even by following the prevention tips laid out above, pests can often still find a way into your home. The best way to protect your home from invading pests is by getting pest control services from the professionals at Prosite.

Serving Central Washington including Yakima and Kittitas counties, our locally owned and operated pest control company offers a variety of services to fit your individual needs. Contact us today for more information!