Quick Answer: How Do You Stop Fall Pests from Entering Your Home?

To keep fall pests out, focus on three things: seal entry points, remove food and clutter, and treat the perimeter before pests move in. Pay extra attention to gaps around doors and windows, cracks at the foundation, utility line openings, and vents that aren’t tightly screened.

Seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and cable/utility lines
Declutter storage areas and remove leaf piles and firewood near the house
Reduce moisture (leaks, drainage issues) that attracts insects and rodents
Consider a preventative perimeter service before nights get cold

If you want help identifying entry points and seasonal pressures around your home, contact Pestcom Pest Management or call (208) 795-3298.

How to Stop Fall Pests from Entering Your Home

When temperatures start to drop in the Treasure Valley, many pests begin looking for a warm, protected place to spend the colder months. Unfortunately, that often means your home. Spiders, ants, occasional invaders like boxelder bugs and elm seed bugs, and even rodents can all try to move inside during fall.

The good news: with a little preparation, you can drastically reduce how many pests make it indoors as the seasons change.

Common Fall Pests That Try to Move Inside

As nights get cooler and days get shorter, certain pests become much more visible around homes in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and surrounding communities.

Spiders

Spiders are one of the most noticeable fall pests. Many species mature late in the season, which is why you suddenly see larger spiders and more webs.

Why they come inside: They follow prey and seek stable temperatures and shelter.
Where you’ll see them: Garages, basements, corners of ceilings, window frames, and around exterior lights.
What to watch for: Webs in corners and storage areas; spiders hiding in shoes, boxes, and clutter.

Ants

Ant colonies often shift their foraging behavior in fall as outdoor food becomes less abundant and moisture patterns change.

Why they come inside: Looking for warmth, stable moisture, and new food sources.
Where you’ll see them: Kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, around pet food, and along baseboards.
What to watch for: Trails around windows, under doors, and along plumbing or wiring “highways.”

If ants keep returning even after cleaning and DIY treatments, a targeted ant control service can help address the source colony.

Occasional Invaders

Fall is peak season for nuisance invaders that gather on sunny exterior walls and then slip inside through small openings—especially boxelder bugs, elm seed bugs, and stink bugs.

Why they come inside: Seeking dry, protected overwintering sites.
Where you’ll see them: Window/door frames, baseboards, and inside window tracks.
What to watch for: Clusters on the sunny side of the house and indoor sightings during warm winter days.

Rodents

As temperatures drop, mice and rats look for warm places with food, water, and shelter—and they can fit through surprisingly small gaps.

Why they come inside: To escape cold and find reliable food sources.
Where you’ll see signs: Droppings in garages, pantries, and storage areas; gnaw marks; scratching sounds at night.
What to watch for: Any small openings around doors, foundations, and utility lines—mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime.

If you’re seeing droppings or hearing noises at night, learn more about rodent control options before the problem grows.

How Fall Pests Get Into Your Home

Most fall pests don’t “magically” appear inside—they enter through predictable weaknesses in the structure.

Gaps under exterior and garage doors where seals or door sweeps are worn or missing
Cracks in foundations and siding as caulking ages or the home settles
Openings around utility lines (cable, gas, HVAC, plumbing penetrations)
Poorly sealed windows or damaged screens
Vents without tight screens on attics, crawlspaces, and dryers
Exterior clutter and vegetation that provide hiding spots and “bridges” right to the structure

Once pests locate a tiny opening, they can follow scent trails or air currents into wall voids, basements, and living spaces.

How to Stop Fall Pests from Entering Your Home

The best fall prevention combines exclusion (keeping pests out), sanitation (removing attractants), and—when needed—targeted perimeter protection.

1. Inspect Your Home Before the Weather Turns Cold

Walk the exterior and look for cracks, gaps, and openings at ground level and higher up.
Check door seals, thresholds, and garage door bottoms for gaps where you can see daylight.
Inspect attics, crawlspaces, and basements for drafts, light leaks, and obvious access points.

2. Seal Gaps, Cracks, and Openings

Use high-quality exterior caulk around windows, doors, and siding joints.
Install or replace weatherstripping and door sweeps on exterior and garage doors.
Seal utility penetrations with appropriate sealants and rodent-resistant materials when needed.
Repair or add tight-fitting screens to attic, crawlspace, and foundation vents.

3. Reduce Clutter and Food Sources

Store pantry items and pet food in sealed containers.
Clean up crumbs and spills promptly—especially in kitchens and eating areas.
Declutter garages, basements, and storage rooms to reduce hiding and nesting sites.
Move firewood, lumber, leaf piles, and yard debris away from the foundation and keep materials off the ground.

4. Address Moisture Problems

Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and exterior spigots.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear and direct water away from the foundation.
Reduce dampness in basements or crawlspaces (ventilation or dehumidification if recommended).

5. Consider a Preventative Fall Perimeter Treatment

A preventative fall service can help create a protective barrier before pests move in. A technician can:

Identify likely entry points and seasonal pest pressure around your home
Apply targeted exterior treatments at the foundation, eaves, and other key areas
Recommend exclusion and maintenance steps tailored to your home’s layout

If you’d like a proactive plan going into the colder months, reach out to our team or call (208) 795-3298.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see more bugs inside in the fall?

As temperatures drop, many pests that were comfortable outdoors during summer begin looking for warm, protected places to overwinter. Homes provide consistent temperatures, shelter, and sometimes food—making them an attractive option.

Is it too late to prevent fall pests once I see them inside?

It’s never too late to improve exclusion and reduce attractants. You’ll get the best results by combining sealing and sanitation with appropriate treatments and addressing issues early in the season.

Do I need pest control every fall?

Every home is different. Some properties experience heavy seasonal pressure from spiders, ants, and occasional invaders, while others see only minor issues. A fall inspection can help you decide whether a preventative plan is a good fit.

What if I’m already seeing spiders, ants, or other pests inside?

Start with cleaning, decluttering, and sealing obvious entry points. If pests keep showing up—or you’re seeing them in multiple rooms—a professional inspection and targeted plan can help you regain control faster.