Common Fall Pests in Manatee County & What to Look For
Here are several pests to watch this fall:
Rodents (rats, mice)
As temperatures dip slightly, mice and rats look for warm, sheltered spaces: attics, wall voids, garages. Hulett Environmental Services+1
Signs: tiny droppings, gnawed insulation or wires, holes or gaps around foundation or vents.
What to do: Seal entry points (if a pencil fits, so can a mouse). Keep outdoor debris away from foundation. Store food & pet food in sealed containers. clementspestcontrol.com
Cockroaches (“palmetto bugs”, German roaches)
These are active year-round in our region, but in fall they may increase indoor activity as they seek stability. Nvirotect Pest Control+1
Signs: dead roaches or shed skins, movement at night in damp areas (kitchen, garage), grease marks, droppings that look like coffee grounds.
What to do: Fix leaks, reduce moisture, keep areas behind appliances clean, seal gaps around plumbing and baseboards.
Ants (ghost ants, carpenter ants, fire ants)
Ants continue foraging in fall and may move closer to or into structures if food becomes scarce outdoors. Protective Pest Control+1
Signs: Lines of ants in kitchen or pantry, mounds in yard (especially fire ants) near play/gathering areas.
What to do: Wipe up food spills quickly, don’t leave pet food out at night, keep mulch/vegetation away from house foundation, treat visible mounds early.