As the summer heat fades and cooler evenings roll in, pests across Central Virginia begin preparing for fall—and that often means trying to move into your home.
Rodents, spiders, stink bugs, and other unwanted guests are already on the move in late August and early September. If you wait until it’s chilly to take action, you might be too late.
At Pest Now of Central VA, we know the pests that show up with the season—and we know how to stop them before they get comfortable. Here’s your step-by-step guide to pest-proofing your home now—before fall pests make themselves at home.
What Pests to Watch for in Early Fall
As temperatures drop, these are the most common invaders we see across Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding areas:
- Rodents (mice & rats): seeking warmth and nesting spots in attics, crawl spaces, and pantries
- Spiders: including black widows, entering basements and garages
- Stink bugs: congregating on siding and sneaking into cracks and vents
- Ants: foraging more aggressively before winter
- Boxelder bugs & lady beetles: clustering on sunny home exteriors
How to Pest-Proof Your Home Before Fall
Here’s how to protect your home now—when it makes the biggest difference:
1. Seal Entry Points
- Check for gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines
- Repair cracked caulking or weatherstripping
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors
- Cover crawl space and attic vents with fine mesh
2. Inspect the Crawl Space and Attic
Rodents and spiders love quiet, dark, undisturbed areas.
- Look for signs of droppings, webs, or chewed materials
- Make sure crawl space doors are sealed
- Install or check vapor barriers to reduce moisture
3. Clear the Perimeter
Pests love to nest in areas close to your home.
- Cut back shrubs and overgrown landscaping
- Rake away leaves and debris from the foundation
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home
4. Check for Moisture
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets and gutters
- Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Use a dehumidifier in damp basements
5. Schedule a Preventive Treatment
The way to stay ahead of fall pests is a proactive treatment plan. Pest Now offers seasonal services designed for Virginia homes that include:
- Rodent monitoring and exclusion
- Spider and insect barrier sprays
- Stink bug and overwintering pest control
- Crawl space inspections and sealing
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Once pests get inside, they’re harder and more expensive to remove. Acting in late August and early September keeps your home:
- Safer and healthier
- Damage-free
- Comfortable for you—not the critters
Let Pest Now of Central VA Protect Your Home
We know the exact pests that invade homes in Central Virginia’s fall climate—and how to stop them before they settle in. Our trained team offers:
✅ Free inspections
✅ Kid- and pet-safe treatments
✅ Ongoing fall and winter protection plans
✅ Local, fast service you can count on
Don’t Wait for the Chill—Stop Pests Now
The pests are already making their move. Let us help you stay ahead of them and enjoy a pest-free fall.
Call Pest Now of Central VA or visit pestnowcva.com today to schedule your pre-fall inspection and pest-proof your home before it’s too late.
