September Pest Outlook
The long-range weather models predict warm, dry fall for most of Texas with the hope of things turning cooler. What that means for pest control is an extended pest season. The drier weather also means fewer resources available for pests, including food, water, and shelter near food and water supplies. In short, more pests closer to home.
Key Critters
The key critters that may present more significant issues include larger wildlife, reptiles, insects, and rodents. The key critters are as follows:
Snakes
Expect snakes, such as rattlesnakes, to hibernate later in the season, and that means more chances of snake encounters as they continue to hunt. Most snakes hunt in a vast territory, and that can include your yard. Rattlers cover about five-square miles. If you are out and about during the fall months, be aware and alert for snakes.
Wildlife
Mammals, such as deer and raccoons, need water. If the fall remains dry, then expect critters to venture into yards looking for access to water. Some may also be on the lookout for food. Keep pets inside as much as possible, and watch them when they are outdoors. Coyotes are well-known to take pets. However, coyotes are just one potential threat to dogs, cats, and farm birds, such as chickens. Foxes are another predatory that will hunt in your yard.
As fall moves closer to winter or if the weather should change, animals, such as Raccoon, will look for denning locations near food and water. That can mean under your house, in your attic, or even in the chimney. Outbuildings are also a prime spot for wild animals to den.
Pest Birds
The warmer southern weather is essential to many migratory birds. That means the pest bird season is coming. Make sure to inspect your attic and the outer areas of your home for loose boards and siding, holes in vent screening, and windows that may be damaged. Each of those is an opportunity for birds to enter the wall space, attic, or crawl spaces of your home.
Rodents
The rodent pest season never seems to end. As outdoor food options dwindle, mice and rats move indoors and help themselves to your food and food stores. Squirrels should be looking for denning locations and building nests. Raters in garages, attics, and outbuilding present an excellent opportunity for a squirrel to find shelter from the colder and hopefully wetter winter weather.
Insect Pests
Cockroaches, ants, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and hemipterans are all late-season pests. A couple of good cold nights usually kills off many of the flies and mosquitoes. The cockroaches, ants, and other insect pests may find shelter during a cold snap. In the case of cockroaches, they likely hid in your house. Ants are well insulated from both heat and cold because most are subterranean. In warmer fall weather, insects stay active longer, and that means more home invasions. Wasps are another pest that takes full advantage of a warm fall.
What’s bugging you? Reach out to our experts for all of your pest control needs. We provide affordable and comprehensive pest control services throughout the Bryan and College Station communities.
