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 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: Corners of ceilings, basements, garages, window frames, and around exterior lights.
• What to watch for: Webs in corners, in storage areas, and along baseboards; spiders hiding in shoes, boxes, or 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 bowls, and along baseboards.
• What to watch for: Small trails of ants around windows, under doors, or emerging from gaps and cracks.

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

Occasional Invaders (Boxelder Bugs, Elm Seed Bugs, Stink Bugs)

Fall is peak season for certain nuisance invaders that gather on sunny exterior walls and then slip inside through small openings.

• Why they come inside: Seeking overwintering sites that are dry and protected.
• Where you’ll see them: Around window frames, door frames, baseboards, and inside window tracks.
• What to watch for: Clusters on the sunny side of the house, bugs appearing inside on warm winter days.

Rodents

As temperatures drop, mice and rats look for warm places with food, water, and shelter.

• Why they come inside: To escape cold and find reliable food sources.
• Where you’ll see signs: Droppings in garages, pantries, under sinks, and in storage areas; gnaw marks; scratching sounds in walls or ceilings.
• What to watch for: Any small gaps around the foundation, doors, or utility lines—mice can squeeze through openings 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 weatherstripping is worn or missing.
• Cracks in foundations and siding that open as the home settles or caulking ages.
• Openings around utility lines such as cable, gas, HVAC, and plumbing penetrations.
• Poorly sealed windows or damaged screens that allow small insects in.
• Vents without tight screens on attics, crawlspaces, and dryers.
• Exterior clutter and vegetation that provide hiding spots and bridges right up to the structure.

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

How to Stop Fall Pests from Entering Your Home

Effective fall pest prevention is about combining exclusion (keeping them out) with good sanitation and, when needed, professional treatment.

1. Inspect Your Home Before the Weather Turns Cold

• Walk around the exterior and look for cracks, gaps, and holes at ground level and higher up.
• Check door seals, thresholds, and garage door bottoms for gaps where you can see daylight.
• Look in basements, crawlspaces, and attics for light shining through, drafts, or obvious openings.

2. Seal Gaps, Cracks, and Openings

• Use high-quality exterior caulk around windows, doors, and siding joints.
• Install or replace weatherstripping on exterior and garage doors.
• Seal utility penetrations with appropriate sealants and, where needed, rodent-resistant materials.
• Repair or add 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 around eating areas.
• Declutter basements, garages, and storage rooms to reduce hiding and nesting sites.
• Move firewood, lumber, and yard debris away from the foundation and keep it off the ground.

4. Address Moisture Problems

• Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and exterior spigots.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and direct water away from the foundation.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp basements or crawlspaces if recommended.

5. Consider a Preventative Fall Pest Treatment

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

• Identify likely entry points and pest pressures around your home.
• Apply targeted treatments to exterior foundation, eaves, and other key areas.
• Recommend specific exclusion and maintenance steps tailored to your home.

If you’d like a more proactive plan going into the colder months, you can reach out to our team about seasonal fall pest protection for your home.

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 cut down on attractants. However, 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 treatment plan is right for your home.

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 treatment plan can help get things back under control more quickly.