As the temperature dips around Savannah, many homeowners notice one unpleasant side effect: the Savannah fall pest surge. Insects and rodents that have long lurked outside suddenly begin seeking warmth, food, and shelter — and your home becomes prime real estate for them. Two of the most common fall invaders? Palmetto bugs (a type of roach) and rodents like mice and rats. Here’s why they come inside this time of year, and what you can do to keep them out.
Why Palmetto Bugs & Rodents Are Coming In And How You Can Keep Them Out
Seeking Warmth & Shelter
Just like people, pests look for a cozy place when the weather cools. Palmetto bugs, which thrive in warm, humid environments, will sneak into cracks, crawlspaces, or basements once outdoor temperatures drop. Rodents are especially motivated in the fall, as food and water sources diminish outside, they gravitate indoors, where resources are abundant. Rodents need food, water, and shelter, and they’re willing to squeeze through surprisingly small holes to find it.
Pro tip - Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes — particularly around pipes, vents, and door frames. Use weather-stripping, caulk, or steel wool to block these common entry points.
Moisture Matters
Pests like roaches and rodents are drawn to moisture, so as cooler weather drives them indoors, they seek out damp areas in your home, such as leaky pipes, basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
Pro tip - Fix Leaks & Remove Standing Water: Repair any leaky plumbing, and eliminate sources of moisture that attract roaches and rodents.
Searching for Food
As natural food sources dry up and temperatures change, pests rely more heavily on whatever they can find indoors. Pantry crumbs, garbage, and pet food are all magnets for pests, attracting roaches, rodents, and other unwanted intruders into your home.
Pro tip - Clean & Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers, clean up spills quickly, and take out the trash regularly.
Easy Entry Points
Autumn also brings changes in the home itself: settling foundations, shifting materials, or even small cracks opening up where pests can slip through. Rodents can enter through gaps smaller than you may expect.
Pro tip - Reduce Hiding Spots: Clear piles of paper, cardboard, or wood — especially in basements, attics, and other undisturbed spaces — to make your home less inviting.
So, How Can You Help Protect Your Home This Fall?
Use Professional Inspection & Treatment! Let a licensed pest control technician at Yates-Astro inspect your home for hidden pest “hot spots,” precisely seal entry points, and apply targeted treatments to keep your home safe and pest-free.
Why Savannah Homeowners Need Local Pest Control Experts
When dealing with pests in coastal Georgia, local knowledge counts. At Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control, we have decades of experience serving Savannah, tailoring our services to the unique climate and construction styles in our area. Our team knows where palmetto bugs are likely to hide, which rodent species are most common (such as house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats), and how to tackle them effectively and safely.
Stop Savannah’s Fall Pest Surge in Its Tracks With Yates-Astro
If you’re noticing more roaches scuttling at night or hearing scratching in your walls, don’t wait until a full-blown infestation sets in. Contact Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control today for a thorough inspection and custom treatment plan tailored to Savannah’s fall pest surge.
With same-day service, bi-monthly and quarterly protection options, and experienced technicians, Yates-Astro is your trusted partner in keeping your home pest-free. Call (912) 513-3425 or request a quote online.