As the desert nights get cooler, many of us welcome the change of season with open windows and cozy blankets. But while you’re settling in, so are some uninvited guests: pests. From ants and spiders to rodents and fleas, many desert pests thrive when outdoor temperatures drop, often making a beeline for the warmth and shelter of your home.

Why Pests Come Inside in Cooler Weather

Most pests don’t hibernate here in the desert. Instead, they seek out environments where food, water, and warmth are easy to find. Unfortunately, our homes — and in many cases, our pets — become the perfect winter getaway.

Whether it’s ants scouting for crumbs, rodents looking for nesting spots, or spiders following insect activity indoors, pests know how to take advantage of seasonal transitions. Once they’ve settled in, they can multiply quickly, making it difficult to get rid of them without help.

Signs of a Pest Problem

Before your home turns into a winter resort for bugs and critters, watch for these warning signs:

• Unusual scratching or scurrying noises: Rodents often give themselves away inside walls or attics.
• Bites, rashes, or itching: Fleas, mosquitoes, and other biting pests can irritate both pets and people.
• Droppings, dirt, or webbing: Indicators of rodents, cockroaches, or spiders setting up shop.
• Sudden insect sightings: Ants, beetles, or “jumping specks” indoors mean pests have found a way in.

Steps You Can Take Now

Keeping pests out takes a combination of prevention, vigilance, and professional expertise. Here are some effective steps:

1. Protect Your Pets

• Use veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention year-round.
• Groom and bathe pets regularly to catch problems early.

2. Clean and Vacuum Often

• Wash pet bedding, throw rugs, and blankets in hot water.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and corners where pests like to hide. Dispose of vacuum bags promptly.

3. Seal and Check Entry Points

• Inspect for cracks, gaps, or torn screens around your home.
• Brush off shoes, clothing, or pets before coming inside to reduce hitchhiking pests.

4. Maintain the Yard

• Keep grass trimmed and remove piles of leaves, wood, or debris where pests nest.
• Consider safe pest treatments for outdoor spaces to reduce activity around your home.

5. Call in the Pros

Many pests are persistent and tough to eliminate once established. Rudy’s team uses targeted treatments and preventative strategies to break pest life cycles — something DIY sprays and traps often miss.

Keep Your Home Cozy, Not Crawly

Cooler weather should be about comfort, not critters. A little prevention now goes a long way toward keeping your home safe, clean, and pest-free all season long.

Call Rudy’s today at 760-775-7216 to schedule a seasonal inspection and stop pests before they settle in.