The spooky season is approaching, and we’re not talking about ghosts. Lock your doors and close your windows – something frightening this way comes. The creepy crawlers and fliers of the fall months are surfacing, and they’re ready to attack their next unwitting victim.
Autumn is one of our favorite times of the year because of the cooling temperature and endless amounts of spirited outdoor fun. We cherish the fall season and hope everyone revels in its magic. Still, it’s important to know the truth about this vibrant time of year. The season of apple picking and pumpkin carving is about to be hit with an insect awakening and we’re gearing up for it.
Prepare yourself and your family for what’s to come this fall as we debunk any myths about the bugs that you know and hate. The biggest misconception about autumn is that nature’s insects begin their hibernation as soon as the temperature starts to cool. You may be thinking that the summer is a bug’s time to shine and you’re safe when temperatures cool. But you are sadly mistaken. There are ample amounts of critters that slither out in the fall and we’re going to help you navigate which ones to look out for and how to handle them.
Myth or fact? Mosquitoes love the fall season.
Fact. Mosquitoes unfortunately love the fall almost as much as we do. It turns out vampires do exist and you’ve probably got some in your backyard right now. Mosquitoes are blood-sucking predators who will stop at nothing to ruin your outdoor shenanigans. You’ve probably had enough of them this summer and are struggling to scratch every last bug bite they’ve inflicted on you. But don’t put the fly swatter down just yet. Mosquitoes don’t hide away in the fall. You’ll find them in moist areas around your home or in tall grass and shrubbery.
Myth or fact? Fleas only come out in the heat.
Myth. Fleas actually prefer cooler temperatures. Similar to mosquitoes, these frustrating bugs don’t miss a beat in the fall. They’re out for blood and you and your pet are on the menu. Fleas thrive in autumn due to the slightly cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Fleas love wet areas, and the gloomy fall showers create a perfect environment for them to frolic. Fleas like to hide in tall grass, shrubs, or any damp areas like leaf piles, which are prominent in the fall. In addition, fleas have more prey to feast on due to increased animal and human activity outdoors this season.
Myth or fact? Ticks can’t survive in cold temperatures.
Myth. We’re sorry to have to break the news, but the tick checks won’t stop after the fall equinox. Ticks are not cold-averse like many people believe. Even so, many areas in the country are experiencing higher temperatures throughout the fall season. You’ll still find these tiny treacherous bugs lurking in bushes, tall grass, and wooded areas all season. Ticks like to latch onto their host and suck their blood much like mosquitoes and fleas. The difference is that ticks can hide in fur and hidden places on the body for an extended period of time. You may be less aware of a tick bite than a tiny flying insect, so it’s important to routinely check for them after an excursion in nature.
Myth or fact? Wasps and yellow jackets are extra prominent in the fall.
Fact. These nasty bugs are busier than ever this time of year. You may not have realized, but wasps and yellow jackets are among your biggest enemies in the fall. These winged stingers spend the spring and summer building their nests and feeding their larvae. By the time the fall rolls around, wasps are ready to hunt. Their nests have reached their peak and the fight for food has commenced amongst the over-populated wasp colonies. This heightened activity often brings them into closer contact with humans, especially around outdoor gatherings and sweet treats. Wasps will sting when threatened and don’t tend to hold back. You won’t want to get in the way of these relentless pests.
Myth or fact? Fruit Flies don’t actually care about fruit.
Myth. Fruit flies live for something sweet. Fall is a prime time for fruit flies to become a nuisance, as this is the time of year for the abundance of seasonal produce. You’ll also want to cover up any wine you have out, because like any of us, a fruit fly enjoys a nice glass after a long day. These little flying pests will be extra bothersome this season, so keep your fruit covered and your eyes peeled.
Myth or fact? Ants and roaches prefer the indoors in the fall.
Fact. During the fall, ants and roaches seek warmth and food that they can no longer find outdoors. This causes them to make their way into homes in search of shelter and a five-star meal. Ants might invade kitchens on the hunt for sugary spills and a drop of water on the counter. Cockroaches could be lurking in dark, damp areas of your home, waiting to creep up on you. These pesky critters sneak in through cracks in the walls or unfinished basements. Be on alert for any cracks in your home or loose crumbs around your floors and cabinets where bugs might flock to.
How can you protect yourself and your family from fall bugs?
Now that you know which little monsters to look out for, how can you stay protected? Let us offer our help!
For pets.
Nobody wants fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes near their dogs and cats, let alone, on them! Wondercide’s Flea and Tick Spray is a powerhouse solution to kill and repel these bugs. Apply the spray daily to reduce the risk of annoying visitors for your pets.
For pets four months and older, a Flea and Tick Collar is a convenient added layer of protection. This handy solution will repel the bugs that constantly bombard your furry friends.
An alternative to the collar is Wondercide’s Flea & Tick Spot On designed for dogs and cats 3 months and older. Simply lift the fur off of your furry friend’s neck to reveal the skin. Place the open tube of spot-on on the skin and apply a line down the back and spine all the way to the start of the tail.
At the next bath time, reach for Wondercide’s Flea and Tick Shampoo, which will provide effective, but gentle protection. This nature-powered product will kill and help ward away the bad bugs while inviting a pleasant peppermint aroma around your furry pal. Use this product during regular baths or up to once a week on pets 4 months and older.
For people.
Have you been swatting at too many bugs lately? Fret no more! Wondercide’s Insect Repellent for the family has got your back. Choose between four delightful scents: peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, or cedarwood, to arm yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. This plant-powered spray is made with steam-distilled natural essential oils and is safe for the whole family when used as directed.
For inside the home.
And for your home use Wondercide’s Indoor Pest Control for the home and kitchen. Keep your indoor sanctuary safe from ants, roaches, flies, fleas, and ticks. Whether you want general protection or you’re on the hunt to kill, this product has you covered. With no artificial color or fragrance added, the Indoor Pest Control will give you the upper hand in keeping out pesky intruders.
Regularly take your trash to the bin outside and keep surfaces in your home wiped and clean to reduce your risk of an ant or roach infestation. Roaches are also attracted to water and wet terrains, so be sure to routinely check your basement, bathrooms, kitchen, and anywhere else inside the home where water can be present. Rake the leaves, clean the gutters, and mow your lawn as frequently as you can. And when that doesn’t work, reach for Wondercide’s Ant & Roach spray to quickly kill these unwanted critters.
Now let’s focus for a second on air-borne pests. Fruit flies are a nuisance that we don’t have to live with. Like other bugs, keeping your home tidy and crumb-free will give you a fighting chance at keeping these pests away. With Wondercide’s Flying Insect Trap, you can have a hands-free method of trapping these pesky flies. No more will you have to share your kitchen with these unwanted intruders.
Say goodbye to that relentless buzzing around your head. With the Flying Insect Trap, all you have to do is plug it in and leave the rest up to the device. The trap lures in gnats, moths, mosquitoes, and fruit flies with a Blu-V™ light and then captures them on a sticky cartridge. And you won’t have to endure any unpleasant odors because this silent trap uses zero chemical insecticides. It’s pet and people friendly.
For outdoor spaces.
Treating your yard and patio for bugs will go a long way. Lab-proven to work, Wondercide yard sprays will allow you to protect yourself from unwanted blood-suckers and they’re safe around pets and family when used as directed.
What do you do about wasps and yellow jackets? Wasps go where they think there might be water and food. So, regularly refresh standing water and keep your home and yard picked up of sweet and sugary liquids or treats. And what if that’s not enough to keep them away? These stingers are tricky because you don’t want to swat at them and miss. You might get stung! Luckily, with Wondercide’s Wasp & Hornet spray, you’ll be able to come out unscathed. With this plant-powered spray, you can hit the bug from 15’ away and quickly kill it so you can get on with your day.
For peace of mind!
All Wondercide products are cruelty-free and are safe around your family and pets when used as directed. And if you’re worried about the good bugs like butterflies and bees, don’t! Wondercide’s yard spray residue is safe for pollinators.
There you have it – the scary truth about the fall season and all it has to offer. By taking care of the stealthy crawlers and winged annoyances, you can make the most of this wonderful season. Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the cooling temperatures with your family and furry friends. Hit the trails without bothersome bugs spoiling the fun. Go apple picking or hay riding without little critters latching on for the ride. Take in this magnificent season free from undesirable disturbances.
