Fall Invaders in Utah Homes: How to Stop Spiders, Earwigs & Boxelder Bugs Before Winter

When the leaves start to turn in Utah County and Heber Valley, you’re not the only one heading indoors for warmth. Spiders, earwigs, and boxelder bugs all begin looking for shelter too, and your home is their top choice. These pests aren’t just a nuisance; once they settle in, they can multiply quickly and return year after year. Understanding why fall is their prime invasion season is the first step to stopping them before they get comfortable.

Why Fall Is Prime Time for Pest Invasions

As Utah’s temperatures drop, insects and spiders seek warmth and protection. Cracks in siding, foundation gaps, and even small openings around windows or door frames become welcome mats for unwanted guests. Unlike summer infestations, fall invaders are motivated by survival, not food. Once they make it inside, they’ll stay through the cold months and reemerge in spring.

Top Fall Invaders in Utah Homes

🕷️ Spiders

Most Utah spiders are harmless, but that doesn’t make them welcome housemates. As outdoor prey dwindles, spiders move indoors to hunt. Common culprits include hobo spiders, wolf spiders, and black widows.
Pro tip: Reducing other insects (their food source) is the most effective way to keep spiders away.

🪳 Earwigs

Despite their name, earwigs aren’t dangerous, but they’re persistent. They thrive in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Once inside, they can be difficult to eliminate without a targeted treatment plan.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are one of Utah’s most common fall pests. You’ll often see them clustering on sunny walls and windows before squeezing into homes to overwinter. While they don’t bite or cause damage, they can stain walls and fabrics and are tough to remove once they’ve entered.

How to Keep Fall Pests Out

1. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your foundation, windows, and doors. Use silicone caulk to fill cracks and replace worn weather stripping. A simple weekend project can stop dozens of bugs from getting inside.

2. Reduce Outdoor Attraction

Rake up leaves, remove firewood piles from near the foundation, and keep exterior lights off when not needed—these all attract pests closer to your home.

3. Treat the Perimeter Early

The best defense is proactive protection. Lawn Doctor’s Yard Armour Perimeter Pest Control creates an invisible barrier around your home that keeps pests from crossing the threshold. Treatments are timed to the local Utah pest cycle, giving you coverage before bugs even start moving in.