As summer fades and September rolls in, North Carolina homeowners’ welcome cooler evenings and the promise of fall. Unfortunately, this seasonal transition also marks the start of peak pest activity inside homes. While mosquitoes and stinging insects begin to decline, a new wave of unwanted visitors like rodents, ants, cockroaches, and spiders look for food and warmth indoors.
At Clegg’s Pest Control, we’ve been protecting North Carolina families and businesses for decades, and we know that prevention in September can save homeowners months of frustration. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common fall pests, highlight why rodents are a major concern this time of year, and share the best pest-proofing tips to keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.
The Most Common North Carolina Pests in Fall
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most resilient pests and a year-round problem in North Carolina, but they become even more of a concern in the fall when they move indoors for warmth. Common species include the American cockroach, German cockroach, and Smokybrown cockroach. These pests thrive in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where food crumbs, moisture, and clutter are plentiful.
- Why They’re a Problem: Roaches spread bacteria, contaminate food, and can even trigger asthma and allergy symptoms with their shed skin and droppings.
- Where to Spot Them: Look for droppings resembling coffee grounds, egg cases, or oily smear marks along baseboards and cabinets.
- Fall Prevention Tip: In addition to keeping surfaces clean, make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and reduce clutter where cockroaches can hide.
Mice and Rats
Few pests are as resourceful or as destructive as rodents. As September ushers in cooler nights, mice and rats begin invading homes, searching for warmth and food. They squeeze through openings as small as a dime and quickly establish nests in attics, crawlspaces, or wall voids.
Rodent infestations are more than a nuisance, they are a serious health and safety risk. Mice and rats:
- Chew wires and insulation, creating fire hazards.
- Contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine.
- Spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis.
Once inside, they reproduce rapidly, meaning a small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation before you know it.
Signs of Rodent Activity
- Scratching or rustling noises in walls and ceilings.
- Droppings along baseboards, in cupboards, or near food storage.
- Gnawed food packages, wiring, or furniture.
- Greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards from their fur.
Rodent Protection Tips
- Seal Entry Points – Use caulk and steel wool around pipes, vents, and cracks in your foundation.
- Eliminate Food Sources – Keep food sealed, take out trash regularly, and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Maintain Your Yard – Trim vegetation away from your home and store firewood at least 20 feet from your foundation.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection – Rodents are clever and persistent; a fall inspection helps stop them before they get established.
To complement these prevention steps, pest control professionals often use tamper-proof rodent bait stations as part of a long-term strategy. These stations are secure, weather-resistant containers that hold rodenticide or traps. They are designed to be placed strategically along walls, near entry points, or in areas where rodent activity is high. Because the bait is locked inside, children, pets, and non-target wildlife cannot access it, making it a more protected option. By keeping the bait dry, protected, and consistently available, these stations not only eliminate active rodents but also help monitor future infestations.
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Ants
Ants are another common fall pest in North Carolina homes, and they come in many varieties. Fire Ants are known for their painful stings, and they usually nest outdoors but may forage inside. Carpenter Ants tunnel through wood and can cause significant structural damage if left untreated. Odorous House Ants are attracted to sweet foods and when crushed, they emit a foul coconut-like odor. Pavement Ants are found around foundations, sidewalks, and in kitchens, where they follow trails to food sources.
- Why They’re a Problem: Ants contaminate food and, in the case of carpenter ants, compromise wooden structures. Their colonies can contain thousands of members, making infestations difficult to control without professional help.
- Where to Spot Them: Watch for long, organized trails, especially near food or along kitchen counters and floors.
- Fall Prevention Tip: Remove mulch and debris near foundations, store firewood away from the home, and seal gaps in walls or windows where ants may enter.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are less noticeable in summer but often become a bigger problem in fall, especially after vacation travel. They hitchhike on luggage, clothing, or secondhand furniture and quickly infest bedrooms and living areas.
- Why They’re a Problem: Bedbugs feed on blood, leaving behind itchy, red bites. They’re extremely difficult to eliminate without professional intervention since they hide in mattress seams, furniture, and even electrical outlets.
- Where to Spot Them: Look for rusty stains on sheets, small black fecal spots on bedding, or live bugs along mattress seams. Bites on arms or legs are often the first sign of trouble.
- Fall Prevention Tip: After travel, wash and dry clothes on high heat, inspect luggage carefully, and never set suitcases on your bed.
Spiders
Spiders become more visible in September because many males are actively searching for mates. Most species are harmless and even help control insect populations. However, North Carolina is home to black widows and brown recluse spiders, both venomous and a real concern for homeowners.
- Why They’re a Problem: Even though most spiders are harmless, fear and anxiety are common when they appear inside. Venomous species pose health risks if bitten.
- Where to Spot Them: Watch for webs in corners, basements, attics, garages, and around outdoor lighting where insects gather.
- Fall Prevention Tip: Keep storage areas tidy, shake out clothing or shoes before wearing, and make sure window screens are intact. Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn attract spiders, use yellow “bug lights” to reduce the problem.
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Nuisance Wildlife Control in North Carolina
Wildlife belongs outside not in your living space. Unfortunately, as the weather cools, animals like bats, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and even snakes begin looking for warm places to shelter, and your attic or crawlspace can be a prime target. At Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, our trained wildlife experts know how to safely and humanely remove these unwanted visitors and keep them from coming back.
Common warning signs include scratching noises in the attic or walls, damaged soffits or vents, and droppings or nesting material in hidden spaces. Left unchecked, wildlife can cause serious problems, from squirrels chewing through wires and creating fire hazards, to bats leaving behind guano that poses health risks.
Clegg’s offers specialized services for bat removal, squirrel control, and snake removal, along with preventative exclusion work to keep animals out for good. Whether you’re dealing with an active wildlife problem or want peace of mind going into the fall season, our team is here to help.
Our Best Pest-Proofing Tips for Fall
- Seal Entry Points – Focus on gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, and vents. Even small cracks can let pests in.
- Install Door Sweeps – A low-cost solution that keeps insects and rodents from slipping under doors.
- Reduce Moisture Indoors – Use dehumidifiers, fix leaks, and ventilate damp areas like basements.
- Store Food Properly – Airtight containers for dry goods and secure lids for trash cans are essential.
- Clear Outdoor Debris – Leaves, mulch, and clutter around your foundation create hiding spots for pests.
- Firewood Storage – Keep firewood stacked away from your home to avoid attracting ants, termites, and rodents.
- Travel Smart – Wash clothes immediately after travel and inspect suitcases to prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride.
Why Professional Pest Control Matters
DIY prevention is important, but pests are relentless. Rodents chew through barriers, ants form satellite colonies, and cockroaches hide in places you’ll never reach. That’s where expert help comes in.
At Clegg’s Pest Control, we:
- Offer FREE inspections to identify vulnerabilities.
- Provide targeted treatments for specific pests.
- Use safe, effective methods for both insects and wildlife.
- Deliver ongoing protection plans for year-round peace of mind.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home This Fall
Fall should be about cozy nights, football games, and crisp air—not worrying about pests in your walls or attic. By taking action now, you can prevent infestations before they take hold.
Call Clegg’s Pest Control today to schedule your FREE inspection and ensure your home stays rodent-free and pest-free this fall.
