The Great Fall Migration: Why Pests Are Trying to Get Inside
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, most of us are welcoming the arrival of fall. We’re trading tank tops for sweaters and looking forward to cozy evenings indoors. But we’re not the only ones thinking about moving inside for the winter.
For countless pests, the changing seasons signal the beginning of a great migration—not across continents, but into your home. This process, known as overwintering, is a natural survival strategy. As temperatures drop, pests like cluster flies, boxelder bugs, and rodents seek warmth, shelter, and a steady food supply. Unfortunately, your home provides the perfect, all-inclusive resort.
The Overwintering Instinct
The shift from summer to fall is a matter of life or death for many cold-blooded pests. They can’t survive the freezing temperatures of a Canadian winter and will instinctively seek out a protected place to enter a state of dormancy. Pests are remarkably good at finding the smallest entry points. A gap in a window screen, a crack in your foundation, or a tiny opening around a pipe is all they need.
Once inside, they’ll find a secluded spot—often in wall voids, attics, or basements—to settle in and wait for spring. While they may be dormant for a while, their presence can still lead to problems. They can become active on warmer winter days, creating a nuisance, and their sheer numbers can lead to a bigger problem come spring.
Key Fall Invaders to Watch For:
- Cluster Flies & Ladybugs: You’ll notice these as you turn on your lights. They’ll appear on windows and ceilings, congregating in large groups.
- Boxelder Bugs & Stink Bugs: These are attracted to the sun-warmed sides of your home, and they’ll gather in large groups on exterior walls before finding their way inside.
- Rodents (Mice & Rats): As their outdoor food sources disappear, rodents will start looking for new ones. They can chew through nearly any material to create an entry point, and once inside, they can cause serious damage to wiring, insulation, and more.
GreenLeaf’s Fall Prevention Checklist
The best way to combat the great fall migration is to get ahead of it. Follow this checklist to make your home an unappealing destination for pests:
- Inspect Your Exterior: Check siding, soffits, and fascia for any gaps.
- Manage Landscaping: Trim tree branches and shrubs so they aren’t touching your home, as they can serve as bridges for pests.
- Clean Up: Remove piles of leaves, firewood, and other debris from around your foundation, as these provide ideal hiding spots.
The Ultimate Defense: GreenLeaf’s Home Protection Plan
While DIY efforts are a good start, a comprehensive approach is the most effective way to safeguard your home against overwintering pests. Our Home Protection Plan is designed to prevent infestations before they start with regular, bi-monthly visits.
This premium service covers common fall invaders like ants, spiders, wasps, mice, and more. Our technicians perform an exterior perimeter spray and strategically place rodent stations to stop pests in their tracks. It’s the ultimate defense against the cold-weather rush, offering you peace of mind all winter long.
Don’t wait for pests to move in. Contact GreenLeaf Pest Control today for a free quote on our Home Protection Plan and our Limited Time Sale!
Why Choose GreenLeaf?
When it comes to protecting your home, you need a partner you can trust. Here’s why GreenLeaf is the right choice:
- Family-Safe, Health Canada Approved Products We use proven products that are effective without putting your family or pets at risk.
- Experienced, Licensed Professionals Our team is Ministry-certified and trained in the most advanced pest management techniques.
- Fully Customized Pest Management Plans Each home is different—we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs, ensuring a targeted solution.
- Clear and Honest Communication We walk you through every step, from the initial inspection to our final recommendations.
- Home Protection Plans Available Our premium plans include regular check-ins and free service calls if pests ever return.
Satisfaction Guaranteed We aren’t finished until your home is completely pest-free and protected.
📞 Call 416-998-9473 or 📧 Email info@greenleafpestcontrol.com to schedule your free consultation today!
GreenLeaf Pest Control—providing trusted pest solutions across Toronto and the GTA for over 15 years.
