Fall is the most important season for pest prevention in New York. Here is a comprehensive checklist to keep mice, stink bugs, and overwintering insects out of your home.
In Long Island and Westchester County, fall represents the highest-risk period for pest intrusions into homes. As outdoor temperatures drop, multiple pest species simultaneously begin their annual migration toward warm structures. Proactive preparation in September and October prevents the majority of winter pest problems before they start.
The most impactful thing you can do for your home in fall is inspect for rodent entry points and seal everything you find. Mice intrusions spike dramatically in October and November as outdoor food sources become scarce. Common entry points to seal: gaps around utility pipes where they enter through the foundation, the gap under your garage door, gaps around HVAC and dryer vent penetrations, cracks in the foundation, and openings around cable entry points. Use copper mesh and professional-grade caulk rather than steel wool which rusts and compresses over time.
The brown marmorated stink bug congregates on the sunny sides of Long Island and Westchester homes in September and October before seeking entry into wall voids and attics to overwinter. The best defense is exclusion: seal gaps around windows and doors, replace damaged screens, install door sweeps, and caulk gaps around frames. Once inside, stink bugs are best managed by vacuuming — crushing them releases an odor that attracts others.
Squirrels and raccoons begin investigating potential winter nesting sites in late September. Inspect your roofline, soffit, attic vents, and chimney for gaps before fall. Replace damaged soffit panels, install chimney caps, and seal gaps at the roofline. Move firewood at least 20 feet from the house and store it elevated off the ground — firewood stacked against the foundation is one of the most common sources of carpenter ant and termite introduction.
The Bugs Stop Here provides fall pest prevention service across Long Island, Westchester County, The Bronx, and Rockland County. Schedule your fall service in September for the best protection through winter.
Ideally in September before temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees F at night. This is when mice begin probing homes for entry points and stink bugs start their migration toward structures.
Rodents moving indoors, stink bugs and box elder bugs seeking overwintering sites, cluster flies gathering in attics, yellow jackets becoming aggressive as colonies decline, and wildlife seeking winter nesting sites.
Many exclusion steps like caulking gaps adding door sweeps and moving firewood are DIY-friendly. For professional perimeter treatment and thorough entry point inspection professional service provides more comprehensive protection.
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