What’s Creeping In As The Weather Cools?
October in Florida may not bring sweaters and bonfires, but for pests — it’s the signal to start heading indoors.
Here’s a real story from Spring Hill that explains why.
A Creepy October Surprise
Last October, a RexPest customer in Brooksville returned from vacation to find her kitchen crawling — and not just with Halloween decorations.
Dozens of ghost ants had set up a trail across her countertops, and two palmetto bugs (giant Florida roaches) scurried behind the fridge when the light came on.
The cause?
- Recent rain had flooded their mulch beds
- Cooler evening temps triggered shelter-seeking behavior
- An unsealed cable line opening gave them the perfect entry
We treated her home that day and sealed the entry point — but she’s not alone. This happens every October across Hernando and Pasco Counties.
Why October Invites Bugs Indoors
| Reason | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Rain | Drives ants, roaches, spiders into dry interiors |
| Cooler nights | Triggers warmth-seeking behavior in pests |
| Falling leaves & yard clutter | Creates damp, hidden nesting areas near homes |
| Gaps from summer expansion | Cracks and crevices reopen as wood contracts |
Common October Invaders in Florida Homes
- Ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) – impossible to track without pro help
- Palmetto bugs (American cockroaches) – they fly, they’re bold, and they thrive in October
- Spiders – especially black widows (Latrodectus mactans) around sheds and garages
- Rodents – rats and mice start nesting for winter in attics and crawlspaces
Pro Tips to Prevent Fall Infestations
- Seal cracks around doors, windows, and utility lines
- Clear leaf piles and trim vegetation from your home’s foundation
- Check your attic and crawlspace for signs of nesting or droppings
- Schedule a free inspection with RexPest before pests settle in for winter
Ready to Beat the October Bug Boom?
Don’t let your home become a cozy fall getaway for Florida’s worst pests.
At RexPest, we offer once-a-year pest protection that keeps them out year-round.