As we move from the long, warm days of summer into the crisp, cool season of fall, we see more than just the leaves changing here in the Pacific Northwest. Pest activity shifts right along with the weather, and these seasonal transitions can catch homeowners off guard if they’re not prepared.

At Rambo Total Pest Control, we track these changes closely because they tell us what our clients are most likely to face in the months ahead.

The first noticeable change is a welcome, one: declining stinging insect activity. Yellowjackets, hornets, and wasps that were buzzing around barbecues and late-summer events begin to fade back as temperatures drop. By fall, their colonies are collapsing, and though you may still see a few stragglers, the large colonies that defined summer are mostly gone. You may still happen upon a nest you want removed, but it may be helpful to just avoid the area for a few weeks more and let nature run its course. Typically, by late November, these guys will be on their way out.

On the flip side, spider activity often starts to spike during this season. Why? Because spiders are searching for mates and new shelter as the nights get colder. The big webs you have been seeing out in the yard?—you’ll start noticing more around windows, garages, and tucked into corners where they weren’t before. While most spiders in our region are harmless, their presence can be unsettling when they start moving indoors. Minimizing clutter or stagnant storage in and around the house will help keep them from settling down around your home. Consistent monthly dewebbing and exterior treatments will also help drastically throughout the season to minimize their presence.

Fall is also the time when overwintering insects such as stink bugs, seed bugs, and boxelder bugs become highly active. These pests don’t necessarily want to be in your home, but as the weather cools, they look for warmth and shelter. Unfortunately, your attic, walls, or living spaces can become their winter getaway.

A big difference to note about overwintering behavior is that it is very different than infesting behaviors; they are not looking to breed, feed, and live in your home. They only intended to ride out the winter and “hibernate” in a process known as diapause. Once the weather starts warming up in the Spring, their primary goal will be to leave your home. Rambo Total Pest Control is currently testing a service line focused at targeting these nuisance pests, and we hope to offer a new service option by the fall of 2026.

Perhaps the most concerning shift of all is rodent activity. As temperatures drop, rats and mice begin leaving their outdoor nests in search of warmth and steady food sources. Because rodents lose a significant amount of their body heat through their tails, the drive to stay warm is a powerful force pushing them indoors.

This is when we start to see increased evidence of gnawing, droppings, and scampering noises in attics, crawlspaces, and walls. Once inside, rodents can quickly reproduce and cause extensive damage through gnawing, nesting, and contamination of insulation, food storage, and other surfaces throughout the home.

Fall is the season when rodent prevention becomes critical. Sealing entry points, reducing food sources, and addressing conducive conditions around the property can make a major difference in keeping them out.

Unlike stinging insects and spiders, ant activity in the Pacific Northwest tends to remain steady year-round. While some species slow down, others remain a persistent nuisance. That means even as other pests shift, ants are still on the radar as we enter fall.

Keep in mind that the most common ant in the Puget Sound area, the odorous house ant (AKA the sugar ant) is very sensitive to many common insecticides. If you were to spray them with a standard “bug spray” you would trigger a survival response known as budding, and you could make your infestation a far worse situation. Professional pest control services are always recommended when dealing with these pesky pests.

Fall is a time of transition, but it’s also a time of preparation. As pests change their behavior, homes become more vulnerable to a whole new list of unwanted invaders. Sealing up gaps, trimming back vegetation, and scheduling preventative pest control treatments can go a long way in reducing activity before winter sets in.

At Rambo Total Pest Control, we’re here to help you get ahead of the seasonal changes. Whether you’re dealing with spiders, ants, or the lingering stinging insects that are trying to make your home theirs, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to protect your space.

Don’t wait until pests are inside—contact Rambo Total Pest Control, and let’s take on the new season together. Schedule your fall service today and enjoy peace of mind all season long!