Can Fall Invaders Spread Disease?

Yes, some fall invaders can spread disease, but most are not considered major health threats to humans. "Fall invaders" is a term used for insects and pests that try to get inside homes and buildings when the weather becomes cooler in fall. Common examples include stink bugs, ladybugs, cluster flies, boxelder bugs, and sometimes rodents like mice. The risks they bring depend on the type of invader.

How Some Fall Invaders Affect Human Health

Most insect fall invaders, like stink bugs, ladybugs, and boxelder bugs, do not spread diseases to humans or pets. They are more of a nuisance than a health hazard. When they get inside, these bugs may crawl on walls and windows, give off unpleasant odors, or sometimes stain fabrics or surfaces, but they do not feed on people, pets, or food. Their bodies do not carry germs or viruses that are dangerous to people.

However, there are a few important points to consider:

• Some people may be allergic to the dust from dead bugs or the fluids released by bugs like ladybugs, which can cause mild rashes or trigger asthma in very sensitive individuals.
• Very rarely, if insects die in large numbers and decay in wall voids or attics, their remains can attract other pests, like certain beetles or mites, which may pose different health risks or nuisances.

Rodents, such as mice, are a more significant concern. When mice come inside during the fall, they not only damage food and property but can carry diseases that spread through their droppings, urine, saliva, and by contaminating surfaces. Some diseases associated with mice include hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. The risk is higher if you come into contact with their waste or contaminated materials.

How to Lower the Risk from Fall Invaders

While the direct risk of disease from most insect fall invaders is very low, taking steps to prevent pests from entering your home is wise for comfort and general safety. Here’s what you can do:

• Seal up cracks around doors, windows, and foundation walls to make it harder for pests to get in.
• Keep screens on windows and vents in good repair.
• Remove food sources and clean up spills to discourage rodents, which are a more serious health concern.
• Clean up dead bugs promptly, wearing gloves if needed, especially if you have allergies.
• If you suspect a rodent problem, contact pest control and clean up droppings thoroughly with disinfectant to reduce exposure to germs.

Keeping your home as pest-free as possible will reduce both annoyance and any health risks connected with fall invaders, especially when it comes to rodents. For most households, the chance of becoming sick from these pests is very small, especially if you use good cleaning and pestproofing practices.