Fall Pest Control: Why Pests Are Moving Indoors and How to Keep Them Out As the weather begins to cool, many homeowners assume pest activity slows down. While some insects become less active outdoors, fall is actually one of the busiest times of year for pests seeking food, water, and shelter inside homes. In South Louisiana, our mild climate allows many pests to remain active well into the fall and winter months. Taking preventive steps now can help homeowners avoid larger pest problems later in the season. Why Pests Invade Homes During the Fall Shorter days, cooler nights, and changing weather conditions signal many pests to begin searching for protected places to live. Homes, garages, sheds, and crawl spaces provide warmth, moisture, and easy access to food sources. Even small openings around doors, windows, utility lines, and rooflines can become entry points for unwanted pests. Common Fall Pests in South Louisiana Rodents Mice and rats often become more noticeable during the fall as they seek warm shelter. Once indoors, rodents can contaminate food, damage insulation, and chew electrical wiring. Homeowners can help reduce rodent activity by: Sealing gaps and openings around the home Storing pet food in sealed containers Keeping garages and storage areas organized Trimming vegetation away from the structure Cockroaches Cockroaches remain active year-round in Louisiana, but changing weather conditions can drive them indoors. Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms provide ideal environments because of available moisture. Reducing excess moisture and addressing leaks can help discourage cockroach activity. Ants Although ant activity may slow outdoors, many species continue foraging inside homes during the fall. Keeping food sealed and eliminating moisture sources can help reduce infestations. Spiders Spiders often become more noticeable in the fall, especially around garages, porches, and entryways. While most spiders are harmless, regular pest control can reduce both spiders and the insects they feed on. Mosquitoes Many people are surprised to learn that mosquitoes can remain active well into the fall in South Louisiana. Standing water in flower pots, bird baths, gutters, and low areas of the yard can continue to support mosquito breeding. Regular inspections and eliminating standing water remain important even after summer ends. Termites Termites do not take a season off. Subterranean termites remain active year-round, making continuous protection essential. Fall is an excellent time for homeowners to review their termite coverage and ensure their protection remains current. Fall Pest Prevention Tips A few simple steps can greatly reduce pest problems this season: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around doors and windows Repair damaged screens and weather stripping Keep gutters clean and free of debris Store firewood away from the home Remove standing water Trim shrubs and tree limbs away from the structure Schedule regular pest inspections Protect Your Home This Fall Preventive pest control is one of the best ways to avoid larger problems during the cooler months. A professional inspection can identify conditions that attract pests before they become costly infestations. For nearly 90 years, Billiot Pest Control has helped families throughout South Louisiana protect their homes from pests and termites. If you have questions about fall pest prevention or would like to schedule an inspection, our team is here to help. Contact Billiot Pest Control today to keep your home protected this fall and throughout the year.

I wanted to share some compelling research about the efficacy of Recruit® HD termite bait and the Sentricon® system in achieving total colony elimination. Research from Dr. Nan-Yao Su and Dr. Thomas Chouvenc at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) has shown that only a small amount of Recruit HD termite bait is needed for total colony elimination. They found that just one day of feeding on Recruit HD termite bait is enough to deliver a lethal dose to 1 million subterranean termites. In a separate study, Dr. Chouvenc determined that only 15.3 grams, or a fifth of a stick, of Recruit HD termite bait is sufficient to eliminate 1 million termites. This research confirms that even with limited exposure and a fractional amount of bait consumed, the Sentricon system quickly and completely eliminates termite colonies. This means you can apply the Sentricon system with confidence, knowing that total colony elimination begins as soon as the first termite starts feeding. This information is beneficial for you because: * A single Recruit HD termite bait contains more than enough Noviflumuron to achieve total colony elimination. When the Sentricon system establishes a ring of protection around a home, the in-ground bait stations provide ample Noviflumuron to eliminate multiple colonies, offering y customers peace of mind and superior termite protection. * A single Recruit® above-ground (AG) station also contains more than enough bait for total colony elimination. Recruit AG stations are a versatile solution for hard-to-treat termite infestations, as they can be placed directly on an active mud tube, ensuring immediate termite feeding. This immediate feeding provides homeowners with assurance that their home is protected from the first day of treatment. Recruit AG stations are particularly useful for treating Formosan termite infestations, which often exploit above-ground moisture to establish aerial colonies that are difficult to treat with traditional methods. Backed by over 70 scientific and 30 independent research studies, the Sentricon system offers confidence that Billiot Pest Control is protecting their customers’ homes with the most advanced termite control solution available.