Don't Get Overrun: A Fall Pest-Proofing Guide for the Hudson Valley

homeowner in Middletown NY finds a window covered in hundreds of cluster flies pests

Got Flies Inside?

Don't let these pests ruin your peace of mind this Fall. Contact us today!

Don't let mice, cluster flies, and stink bugs turn your property into their winter hideout.

As the calendar turns to September in the Hudson Valley, a subtle but significant pest shift is happening.

The warm, late-summer days are beginning to give way to crisp, cooler nights, and with this change comes a new wave of pest activity. This is the time when many of the region’s most persistent pests begin their annual search for a warm, safe place to overwinter. For both homeowners and business managers in Dutchess County and beyond, this is your wake-up call to prepare for the inevitable fall invasion of rodents, cluster flies, and stink bugs.

rodents flies and stink bugs can invade homes or businesses through tiny cracks or openings in your building

Rodents, flies, and stink bugs can invade homes or businesses through tiny cracks or openings in your building

The September Weather Effect: A Race for Warmth

Historically, September weather in lower New York state sees average temperatures drop, especially in the evenings. The cooler weather is a natural trigger for pests to seek shelter indoors. A sudden drop in temperature in towns like Wappingers Falls or Goshen sends a clear signal to mice and rats to start looking for a cozy place to nest, and for cluster flies and stink bugs to find a crack or crevice to squeeze through.

Rodents: The Most Destructive Fall Invaders

Mice and rats are more than just an annoyance; they are a significant threat to health and property. They can chew through electrical wiring, contaminate food supplies, and spread diseases. For a business in New City or a large commercial property near I-87, a rodent problem can quickly escalate from a small issue to a major health and safety hazard that can damage a brand's reputation.

Mice and rats crawling through holes in your home are more than just an annoyance; they are a significant threat to health and property

Mice and rats crawling through holes in your home are more than just an annoyance; they are a significant threat to health and property

Your Action Plan Against Rodents:

  • Seal Entry Points: Rodents can fit through incredibly small openings. Seal any cracks in your foundation, around pipes, or near windows and doors.

  • Remove Food Sources: Keep food in sealed containers and clean up any crumbs or spills. This includes pet food.

  • Clear Clutter: Rodents love to hide in cluttered spaces, so reducing clutter in basements, attics, and storage rooms can help.

  • Use Pest Control: Contact Hollenbeck Pest Control today for a free inspection and custom plan for your property.

 

Cluster Flies & Stink Bugs: The Great Annoyance

While not as destructive as rodents, cluster flies and stink bugs can be a major nuisance. A homeowner in Middletown might find a window covered in hundreds of flies, while a business in Kingston could have a continuous issue with them landing on lights and windows, creating a distracting and unprofessional environment. They can be particularly problematic for properties with many windows and glass entryways, as seen along Route 9W in places like Highland.

Fall brings cozy sweaters, changing leaves… and unfortunately, pests trying to sneak indoors. Let us help you keep your space warm, safe, and pest-free!
🍁🍂🐜🏠

 

Pest of the Month

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
For many in the Hudson Valley, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is the quintessential fall pest. While they don't bite or cause structural damage, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming as they gather on the sunny sides of homes and businesses to find a way inside. The biggest nuisance? The pungent odor they release when they feel threatened or are crushed. This is a powerful chemical defense that can linger for hours and makes them an unwanted houseguest. Professional prevention is key to keeping these unwanted tenants out before they make themselves at home.

 

Did You Know?

Cluster Flies vs. House Flies: Unlike the common house fly that breeds in garbage, cluster flies breed in earthworms in the soil. They are not drawn to food, but rather to the sunny side of buildings in the fall, where they gather in large clusters to find a way inside.

Stink Bugs: When threatened or crushed, stink bugs emit a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators. This is why you should never squish them. The smell can linger for hours and attract more stink bugs to the area.

Why Hollenbeck Pest Control is Your September Solution

Dealing with these fall invaders requires more than just traps or store-bought sprays. A professional inspection is critical to find the hidden entry points and nesting areas that these pests are using. Our expert team understands the unique behaviors of pests in the Orange County and Rockland County regions. We offer both one-time services for an immediate problem and comprehensive, proactive service plans that are essential for long-term prevention. Investing in a regular service plan is the most effective way for businesses and homes to ensure they don't face a new infestation every season.

Don't let these pests ruin your peace of mind this fall. Contact Hollenbeck Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and prepare your property for the coming seasons.

 

the map of service area for hollenbeck pest control covering much of hudson valley NY

Our Service Area

Providing Pest Control for Much of the Hudson Valley, NY

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Serving Businesses with expert pest control Across the Hudson Valley

Hollenbeck Pest Control proudly serves homes and businesses throughout the Hudson Valley, from the bustling communities of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie to the quieter towns of Beekman and Monroe. Whether you’re a property owner in Rockland County in places like Nanuet, Suffern, or New City, or across the river in Orange County in areas such as Warwick and Middletown, we’re here to help. Our services extend north to Kingston, west to Goshen, and into communities like Highland, New Windsor, New Paltz, Hyde Park, and Washingtonville. We also cover areas along the New York State Thruway (I-87) and the Taconic State Parkway, reaching towns like Scotchtown and Beacon to ensure every resident and business owner has access to professional pest solutions.