What are the Most Annoying Fall Pests in New England?

New England fall is iconic for a reason. Here, there’s so much to love about autumn: crisp fall air, beautiful foliage, pumpkin-spice-flavored everything. But as with any change in season in the Northeast, we also expect to see a different kind of shift: new season, new pest problems.

Driven to action by the dropping temperatures, New England pests during the fall tend to be even more aggressive (and more annoying) in pursuit of warm, cozy accommodation that will keep them safe from the cold.

If you’re not in the mood for any unexpected new roommates this fall, take a look below and take notes. We asked our team to rank the Top 3 most annoying fall pests you’re most likely to contend in the autumn—alongside some exclusive insight to keep you safe all season long.

Drumroll please…

#3: Stinging Pests

These “hangry” pests become desperate for food in the fall.

You might be thinking we’ve got this all wrong…because stinging pests are a summer concern, right?

Right…but also wrong. While stinging insect colonies do indeed peak in the late summer, the cooler weather means that finding food becomes that much tougher. As food sources turn scarce, wasps and hornets turn more desperate—and more aggressive, as confirmed by our Service Director, Amanda Carter.

Q: Is it true wasps/hornets get more aggressive in the fall?

Amanda: Yes! At this point, the colony is fighting for the queen’s survival as food sources start to dwindle and they prepare the nest for colder weather. Because of this, you will see more of them outside foraging for food, and they tend to become more aggressive in their desperation of sugary foods for survival. Think “hangry!”

Q: What are the signs of a hidden nest homeowners should watch for?

Amanda: Think sight, sound, and touch. You might see more stinging pests around your home, or stains or “wet spots” on walls or ceilings that can also be indicative of an interior nest. You might hear buzzing or scratching-like sounds coming from walls or ceilings. You might also be able to feel their presence through the walls, since large colonies can generate heat that make sections of your wall/ceiling feel warm to the touch.

Q: When should someone call a professional instead of tackling a nest themselves?

Amanda: Always call a Pest-End professional if you expect wasps are in your home. They will attack if they feel threatened, and our team is trained and prepared for a safe and effective nest removal to keep you and your family safe.

#2: Bats

Better safe than sorry when it comes to handling these flying foes.

Bats? During spooky season? It might seem cliché, but it’s true. Bats are high on our fall past list not only because they’re great at seeking out warm shelters during the cooler months. Dealing with them on your own can be dangerous, given the potential health threats they pose. Just ask Justin Bonenfant, one of our Residential Business Development Specialists at Pest-End.

Q: Are bats actually dangerous to homeowners?

Justin: While bats play an important role in the environment, they can become a problem for homeowners when they move indoors. Generally speaking, bats are not aggressive. However, there are real concerns homeowners should be aware of if they come into direct contact with one. In the fall, that possibility becomes likelier.

Some bats can carry rabies, and while the chances of transmission are low, the risk is serious. Their droppings, known as guano, can also accumulate quickly and create health hazards by encouraging mold growth and attracting insects.

Q: Why are attics such a common bat hotspot?

Justin: Attics provide exactly what bats are looking for in colder months: warmth, darkness, and safety from predators. Small openings in roofing, vents, or siding often allow bats to slip inside unnoticed. Once inside, attics offer quiet, undisturbed roosting areas where bats can gather in groups, making them one of the most common indoor bat habitats.

Q: What is the safest, most humane way to remove bats from a house?

Justin: The best way to deal with bats is through exclusion, not trapping or harming them. Exclusion involves sealing off all possible entry points along with installing one-way devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter. This ensures they leave safely without getting trapped inside the home. Because of the risks involved and the specialized equipment needed, bat removal is best left to licensed wildlife control professionals who can handle the process humanely while protecting both the bats and the homeowners.

Q: When are bats most likely to make an appearance inside homes?

Justin: Be alert in late October through November, once the temperatures drop and insect activity slows down. During this time, bats are most likely to retreat to safe, sheltered locations such as residential homes, commercial buildings, caves, and barns where conditions stay cool and stable. Chances are that, if left undisturbed, they’ll stay put until the spring.

#1: Rodents (Mice & Rats)

They’re fall’s #1 pest for a reason.

What most people don’t realize is how sneaky mice and rats can be. Typically, if you spot one on your property, it’s already too late. A full infestation is likely underway. Like stinging pests and bats, the colder weather leaves rodents desperate for warm shelter and reliable food sources. But unlike the others, rodents have a true talent for getting everywhere and anywhere they’re not supposed to be. We asked our Service Director Eric Nelson for the need-to-knows about dealing with mice and rats in the fall.

Q: What signs should homeowners look for first?

Eric: Homeowners should first look for droppings, listen for scratching sounds in the walls, and check for gnaw marks or nests. Since rodents are nocturnal and masters at hiding, these indirect signs are often the first evidence of their presence. Homeowners should look for droppings that are small, dark, and pellet-shaped. Mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice and pointed at the ends, while rat droppings are larger with blunter ends. I recommend inspecting inside cupboards, under sinks, in pantries, along baseboards, inside drawers, basement floors, and along basement beams.

Q: How can homeowners know for sure if they’re dealing with an infestation?

Eric: An accumulation of droppings suggests a heavily trafficked area. Fresh droppings are moist and shiny, while old droppings are dry and crumbly. If you clean them up and find new ones the next day, you have an active infestation.

Q: What’s Pest-End’s most effective strategy for prevention?

Eric: Pest-End’s most effective strategy for prevention is to start with a thorough inspection of the exterior of the home to identify any holes dime-sized or larger. These openings are sealed with metal excluder so rodents cannot gain entry. In addition, exclusion services can be done on the lower half of the home, similar to the exclusion work we provide for bats, adding another layer of protection. We also install bait boxes along the exterior, where rodents naturally travel and feed, to reduce the chance of them entering.

Ultimately, the most effective strategy for any pests (but especially rodents) is prevention, which is why we recommend our HomeGuard Premier service for complete, year-round protection.

Bottom Line: Don’t Take Matters into Your Own Hands

Spotted warning signs of any of the above pests or wildlife? Do yourself a favor and reach out to us right away. These issues can quickly turn from a small concern into a bigger headache, but with Pest-End on your side, prevention and removal are simple.

Let us handle the pests and wildlife, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying this beautiful New England season!

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