As the crisp September air begins to roll in and Alaska’s summer fades, pests start making their move—right into your home. The seasonal change triggers an uptick in pest activity that catches many homeowners off guard. But it doesn’t surprise the experts at Alaska Pest Management. With decades of experience in Southeast Alaska, APM knows that this month signals the start of fall infestations—and they’ve built proven strategies to keep your home protected.
Let’s break down why pest problems escalate in September, what kinds of critters to expect, and how APM’s pest control services provide a smarter, more proactive defense.
Why Pest Activity Spikes in September
Cooling Temperatures
As temperatures begin to drop, pests—including rodents, spiders, ants, and stinging insects—begin looking for warm shelter. Your attic, crawlspace, basement, or garage becomes the perfect hideout.
Dwindling Food Supplies Outdoors
The end of summer means less outdoor vegetation and fewer insects for predators to feed on. That’s when your pantry, garbage bins, and even pet food become attractive alternatives.
Breeding Cycles and Nest Maturity
Many pest species complete their reproductive cycles in late summer. That means more mature nests, larger populations, and—in the case of ants and wasps—a higher risk of swarms and stings.
Moisture and Shelter Seeking
As rainfall increases in Alaska’s shoulder season, insects and rodents retreat indoors to avoid flooded nests, wet soil, and saturated burrows.
The Usual Suspects: Which Pests Peak in September?
Here’s what homeowners in Southeast Alaska should be watching for:
- Rodents (Mice and Rats)
- Entry points: Crawlspaces, basements, wall gaps, pipe chases
- Threats: Chewing wires, contaminating food, nesting in insulation
- Why now: Cold nights and reduced outdoor shelter options
- Carpenter Ants & Other Ant Species
- Entry points: Windowsills, eaves, doorways, plumbing lines
- Threats: Structural damage, food contamination
- Why now: Colonies release swarmers in early fall; searching for new nesting sites
- Spiders
- Entry points: Cracks in siding, attic vents, door gaps
- Threats: Webs, egg sacs
- Why now: Seeking warmth and insect prey as temps drop
- Wasps & Other Stinging Pests
- Entry points: Rooflines, wall voids, trees near your home
- Threats: Aggressive stings, large mature nests
- Why now: Nests reach peak size and activity in September
- Cockroaches
- Entry points: Plumbing gaps, drains, food deliveries
- Threats: Allergens, disease, food contamination
- Why now: Indoor moisture and warmth attract them during cooler nights
What You Can Do This September: Homeowner Tips
While APM handles the heavy lifting, here are some simple steps you can take to keep pests out:
- Inspect your foundation and eaves for gaps and seal with caulk or steel mesh.
- Declutter your garage and attic—pests love untouched storage spaces.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to reduce moisture near your foundation.
- Store firewood and compost at least 20 feet from your house.
- Check food storage areas—keep items sealed and clean up crumbs quickly.
- Install door sweeps and window screens to block crawling insects.
Signs You Need a September Pest Inspection Now
Not sure if you need to call? Here are the red flags that pests are already making moves:
- Scratching or movement sounds in the attic, walls, or crawlspace (especially at night)
- Droppings in pantries, drawers, or near appliances
- Ant trails or visible wasps near windows, decks, or siding
- Increased spider webs around the home or in storage areas
- Strange smells (musty, urine-like) in closed-off areas
- Tiny entry holes or gnawed materials near vents or baseboards
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Early intervention from APM can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown infestation.
How APM’s Pest Control Services Protect Your Home
APM implements smart, seasonal strategies that are tailored for Alaska’s climate and pest behaviors.
Detailed Fall Inspections
Technicians check attics, crawlspaces, basements, utility openings, and known hotspots for pest entry or harborage. Early detection saves major repairs later.
Targeted Treatments
APM uses low-impact, targeted solutions to eliminate active infestations.
Moisture Control Advice
Moisture is one of the biggest pest attractants. APM advises on gutter health, foundation drainage, and indoor humidity levels to make your home less appealing.
Exclusion & Prevention
Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. APM identifies and seals cracks, gaps, vents, and utility entry points to block future invaders.
Seasonal Service Plans
Not just a one-time fix—APM offers pest control programs to keep your home protected year-round, not just during pest season peaks.
Why September is the Smartest Time to Act
If you wait until winter, pests are already settled in. By acting in September:
- You catch infestations before they grow
- You prevent overwintering pests from taking hold
- You save money by avoiding structural damage
- You enjoy peace of mind heading into the holidays
Why Choose APM?
Alaska Pest Management has protected Southeast Alaska homes for over 30 years. Their team understands the unique pest challenges of the region—from damp crawlspaces to forest-adjacent properties. Whether you’re in Ketchikan, Juneau, or anywhere in between, their services are tailored, professional, and local.
September is a month of transition—for people and pests alike. But while we welcome the cozy fall season, pests see it as a green light to invade your home. With APM’s pest control services, you can get ahead of infestations before they become stressful, expensive, and difficult to manage.
Contact Alaska Pest Management today and ask about their fall pest inspections and seasonal protection plans. Because the best time to stop pests… is before they even get inside.
