As the weather cools down, many of us start spending more time inside. Unfortunately, pests are doing exactly the same. Autumn is a busy time for rodents, insects and other pests who are looking for somewhere warm, safe and stocked with food before the winter really sets in.
Here’s what you need to know about the most common autumn invaders, how to spot the early signs of a problem, and how DALPEST can help protect your home or business.
The Top Autumn Invaders
Here are the usual suspects you might notice making an appearance this season:
- Rodents (Mice & Rats): They squeeze in through tiny gaps (a mouse can fit through a hole about the diameter of a pencil!) to find food and warmth. They love nesting in lofts, cupboards, and wall cavities.
- Flies: Cluster Flies especially like to gather and stay dormant in big groups in lofts and around window frames. Through autumn and winter they hibernate before becoming a real nuisance when spring arrives.
- Wasps: As their nests start to die off, worker wasps become more aggressive and more likely to sting.
- Cockroaches and Ants: We may associate ants with summer, but if they can find a way in during autumn, they’ll camp up near your kitchen where the food supply is.
- Pigeons: These birds love to roost in sheltered spots like roof spaces, ledges, and outbuildings. Left unchecked, they can cause significant property damage with their droppings, feathers, and nesting materials. They also pose a big health risk.
Signs You Might Have a Problem
A few things to look out for before the situation gets worse:
- Scratching noises in walls or ceilings (likely rodents).
- Tiny droppings near food cupboards, bins, or along skirting boards.
- Dead insects gathering around windows or loft spaces.
- Musty smells or greasy marks along walls (a telltale sign of rodent runs).
- Bird droppings or feathers collecting near your roofline or around entrances, a sign that pigeons have taken up residence.
- Seeing just one of two pests frequently (unfortunately this often means more could be hiding!).
Why It’s Important to Act Early
Leaving pests until winder sets in can lead to:
- Property Damage – gnawed wires, insulation, roof damage, blocked gutters and more.
- Heath risks – from contaminated food to allergen build up and bird-related diseases.
- Costly infestations – pests multiply quickly. A small problem can quickly become something much bigger.
How DALPEST Can Help
At DALPEST, we’re not just experts in removing pest infestations, we help you prevent them from coming back.
We offer:
- Comprehensive surveys for homes and businesses to identify potential entry points (including hard to spot bird nesting areas).
- Safe, effective treatments that deal with infestations quickly and humanely.
- Proofing advice and follow up visits to keep your property pest-free through winter and beyond.
Take Action Before Winter Hits
Contact DALPEST today and stop pests in their tracks before they settle in for winter.
