Spooky but True: Creepy Crawlers That Could Be Lurking in Your Home This Halloween

Halloween is known for spooky decorations, scary movies, and everything creepy, but some of the real-life creatures that might be lurking in your home are far scarier than any costume or horror film. As the weather cools down in Taylor, AZ, many pests begin seeking shelter indoors, making fall the perfect time for these creepy crawlers to invade your home. At Neff Exterminating, we want to help you identify these unwanted guests and provide tips on how to keep your home pest-free this Halloween season.

Common Creepy Crawlers to Watch Out For

1. Spiders

Spiders are one of the most common creepy crawlers that people encounter, and they seem to make their presence known even more during the fall. While most spiders are harmless, some species, like the black widow and brown recluse, can pose a danger to your family and pets.

Signs of Spider Activity:

• Webs in corners or window frames
• Seeing live spiders, especially in dark, undisturbed areas
• Egg sacs in hidden places like basements, attics, and crawl spaces

Spiders love dark, quiet places where they can spin their webs undisturbed. If you’re seeing more spiders around your home as Halloween approaches, it might be time to take action.

2. Cockroaches

Few things are more unsettling than flipping on a light and seeing a cockroach scurrying across the floor. Cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, and they’re excellent at hiding in cracks and crevices. These pests are not only creepy, but they can spread diseases and trigger allergies.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation:

• Droppings resembling coffee grounds or pepper
• A strong, musty odor
• Shed skins or egg casings near food or water sources

Cockroaches can multiply quickly, so it’s important to address any sightings immediately before they take over your home.

3. Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Rodents are not only creepy but can cause significant damage to your home by chewing through wires, insulation, and wood. They are also known to carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. As the weather cools, mice and rats seek warmth and food indoors, often making their way into attics, basements, and even kitchen pantries.

Signs of Rodent Activity:

• Droppings near food or water sources
• Gnaw marks on furniture, walls, or wires
• Hearing scratching or scurrying sounds in the walls or ceiling

Rodents are experts at staying out of sight, so if you notice any signs of activity, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent an infestation.

4. Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that move quickly and have a metallic sheen, giving them a creepy, almost alien-like appearance. These pests thrive in dark, damp environments and can be found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.

Signs of a Silverfish Infestation:

• Damage to paper products, clothing, and wallpaper
• Seeing live silverfish, especially in damp areas
• Small, irregular holes in stored items like books or fabrics

While silverfish don’t pose a direct threat to humans, they can damage your belongings if left unchecked.

5. Centipedes

Centipedes are another creepy crawler that can give you a fright when you see them scurrying across your floor. These fast-moving pests are attracted to moisture and can be found in bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas.

Signs of Centipede Activity:

• Seeing live centipedes, especially in moist areas of the home
• Increased insect activity, as centipedes feed on other bugs

While centipedes can help control other pest populations, most people don’t want these multi-legged creatures in their homes.

How to Keep Creepy Crawlers Out This Halloween

Now that you know which pests could be lurking in your home, it’s time to take action. Here are some tips to keep your home pest-free this Halloween season:

1. Seal Entry Points

Most pests enter your home through small cracks, gaps, or openings. Inspect your home’s exterior for any entry points and seal them with caulk, weatherstripping, or steel wool.

Key Areas to Check:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Cracks in the foundation or walls
• Openings around utility lines, pipes, and vents

Sealing these entry points can help prevent pests from sneaking inside.

2. Keep Your Home Clean

Creepy crawlers like cockroaches and rodents are attracted to food and water. Keeping your home clean and free of crumbs or spills can help deter these pests.

Cleaning Tips:

• Store food in airtight containers
• Clean up spills and crumbs immediately
• Take out the trash regularly and ensure bins have tight-fitting lids

By removing access to food and water, you can make your home less appealing to pests.

3. Declutter and Reduce Hiding Spots

Pests love dark, undisturbed places where they can hide and nest. Decluttering your home, especially in storage areas like basements, attics, and garages, can help reduce hiding spots for pests.

Decluttering Tips:

• Store items in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids
• Remove unnecessary clutter from storage areas
• Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces dry and well-ventilated

A clutter-free home is less inviting to creepy crawlers.

4. Maintain Your Yard

Your yard can be a gateway for pests to enter your home. Keeping your yard well-maintained can help prevent pests from making their way indoors.

Yard Maintenance Tips:

• Trim back trees and shrubs away from your home
• Remove piles of leaves and debris
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground

A clean and maintained yard reduces the likelihood of pests finding shelter near your home.

5. Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection

While DIY pest control methods can be effective, there’s no substitute for a professional inspection. A pest control expert can identify potential pest problems before they become major infestations and provide customized solutions to keep your home pest-free.

Schedule a Halloween pest inspection with Neff Exterminating today to ensure your home is safe from creepy crawlers. Contact us here to get started.

Pest Control Services Near Me

As Halloween approaches, the last thing you want is real-life creepy crawlers invading your home. Spiders, cockroaches, rodents, and other pests can quickly turn your home into a haunted house if left unchecked. By sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, reducing clutter, and scheduling a professional inspection, you can keep these spooky pests at bay.

Don’t let creepy crawlers ruin your Halloween fun! Contact Neff Exterminating today to request a pest control service and enjoy a pest-free home this season. Click here to get started.

For more information on our services and to schedule an inspection, visit our website or call us at (928) 536-6862. Let us help you keep your home safe and pest-free this Halloween!