As the temperatures drop across Central Ohio, a seasonal shift begins—not just in weather, but in pest activity. October marks the start of one of the busiest months for pest infestations, as rodents, spiders, and insects start seeking warmth, food, and shelter.
In this October 2025 pest watchlist, we highlight the top threats homeowners face and what you can do now to stay protected.
🍂 Why Fall Is Peak Pest Season
Colder nights push pests indoors. Attics, basements, wall voids, and crawlspaces become prime nesting zones, while food scraps and moisture attract hungry intruders.
- According to the American Housing Survey, 11.6% of U.S. households report rodent problems annually, which translates to over 16 million homes dealing with mice or rats every year. (Source: PCT Online)
- Male spiders become especially active in the fall, searching for mates and showing up in unexpected places.
- Stink bugs and boxelder bugs often cluster on the sunny sides of homes before sneaking indoors to overwinter.
🔍 Top Fall Pests Right Now in Central Ohio
Here’s who’s knocking on your door this October:
1. Stink Bugs
- Seek warmth and hibernate inside walls or attics.
- Cluster on windows and sunny exterior walls.
- Hard to eliminate without sealing up cracks and crevices.
2. Boxelder Bugs
- Harmless but a major nuisance in large numbers.
- Sneak in through soffits, siding gaps, and attic vents.
- Prefer homes near female boxelder or maple trees.
3. Spiders
- Fall is spider mating season. Males roam actively at night.
- Most are harmless (e.g., cellar spiders), but some (like the brown recluse) can bite.
- Dusty corners, basements, and garages are typical hotspots.
4. Rodents (Mice and Rats)
- A single female mouse can produce up to 60 offspring a year (up to 12 per litter, 8 times a year). (Source: Census.gov)
- Can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
- Chew wires, insulation, and spread bacteria via droppings.
5. Ants
- Moisture ants and odorous house ants are common after heavy rains.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are prime entry points. - Some ant colonies survive well into late fall and winter indoors.
🧰 What Homeowners Should Do Right Now
🛑 Prevention is the key to avoiding infestations. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seal entry points: Use caulk or weather stripping on cracks, pipes, and windows.
- Clear debris: Remove leaves and mulch from foundation edges to eliminate hiding spots.
- Trim vegetation: Cut back tree limbs and shrubs touching your siding or roof.
- Schedule a Fall Barrier Treatment: A seasonal pest spray creates a defensive line around your home to stop invaders before they enter.
💡 Did You Know? 50% of our customers who received a Fall Barrier Treatment in 2024 reported zero winter callbacks for pests. — Champion Pest & Termite
📊 Stats That Matter
Based on internal service data from fall 2024, Champion Pest & Termite reported:
| Pest Type | % of U.S. Homes Affected | Peak Season |
| Rodents | 11.6% annually (PCT) | Fall & Winter |
| Spiders | Up to 40% report sightings in fall (NPMA) | Fall |
| Stink Bugs | Surge in October, most active near harvest season | Fall |
🏡 Protect Your Home the Champion Way
As fall sets in, rodents and insects are already looking for a way inside. October is your final chance to seal the perimeter and stop infestations before they begin.
👉 Schedule your fall pest treatment now or have Champion Pest & Termite for a customized home protection plan.