The arrival of September marks the start of autumn in the UK, a season that many people look forward to for its crisp mornings, cosy evenings, and beautiful golden leaves. But as much as we enjoy the change in seasons, pests are also making their own plans. As the weather cools, many common pests start looking for shelter, warmth, easy food sources and your home could be their first choice.
This month, we’re highlighting the key pests you’re most likely to encounter in September: the furry foes; rats and mice, the eight legged creepers; spiders, and even the hidden hitchhikers; cockroaches. While each of them brings very different problems, what they have in common is their desire to move indoors. Here’s what you need to know about these unwelcome autumn intruders, how to spot them, and why prevention is so important.
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice are at the top of the list when it comes to September pest activity. As temperatures drop, rodents become bolder about moving closer to homes and businesses. Their main priorities are warmth, food & shelter, and unfortunately, a house or garden shed offers all three.
One of the reasons rodents are such a concern is the sheer amount of damage they can cause in a very short space of time. Their constant need to gnaw with teeth that never stop growing means they’ll chew through everything and anything in your home. This can lead to structural damage, electrical fires, and expensive repairs. On top of this, rodents are known carriers of harmful bacteria and diseases, spreading contamination through droppings, urine, and their fur (gross!).
In September, it’s especially important to stay alert for early warning signs. Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or lofts often give away their presence before you see them. Droppings along skirting boards, chewed food packaging, and greasy smear marks on walls or pipes are other classic clues. Outdoors, burrows in the garden or nests made from shredded materials can suggest rodents are setting up home nearby, ready to move indoors as the nights get colder.
Myth-busting moment: many people still believe that mice can’t resist cheese, but in reality, they prefer grains, cereals, and even chocolate. So if you’re dealing with rodents this September, don’t fall for the cheese myth and secure food properly by considering solutions like Racan traps and rodenticides to get ahead of the problem.
Spiders
September is famously known as “spider season” in the UK, and for good reason. While spiders are present all year round, this is the prime time when they’re most noticeable. Male house spiders in particular become much more active as they search for mates, often ending up in the middle of your living room floor or climbing across walls when you least expect it.
Although spiders can trigger fear in many households, the vast majority of them are completely harmless and, in fact, play an important role in controlling other insects. Still, their sudden appearance can be alarming, and for those who are not fond of them, the start of spider season can feel like a testing time.
Spiders are attracted to the warmth of homes and the abundance of insects they can hunt inside. They’re also opportunistic about shelter, taking advantage of cracks, gaps, and cluttered corners where they can weave their webs undisturbed. To reduce the number of spider encounters in September, it helps to vacuum & dust regularly, keep windows and doors fitted with proper seals, and remove piles of boxes or clothing where they might hide.
Myth-busting moment: it’s often said that spiders come indoors to escape the rain, but this isn’t true. They’re following their natural mating cycle, which peaks in September, so the timing just makes it seem like they’re fleeing bad weather. If you’d prefer fewer eight-legged visitors this autumn, consider preventative options like the Organ-X Spider Solutions for added reassurance.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches might not be as commonly associated with autumn as rodents or spiders, but September can still be a problem month. These resilient intruders thrive in warm and humid conditions, but as outdoor temperatures fall, they’re drawn to the consistent warmth found in homes, restaurants, and workplaces. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are all favoured spots, thanks to the combination of food, moisture, and shelter.
Sneaky and stubborn survivors, the concern with cockroaches goes far beyond their appearance. They are known carriers of bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can spread onto food preparation surfaces and into food supplies. Their shed skins, and saliva can also trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Spotting a cockroach is often only the tip of the iceberg, as they are nocturnal and highly skilled at hiding. Signs to look out for include a musty or oily smell, and egg cases hidden in dark corners. Because they reproduce rapidly, even a handful of cockroaches in September can turn into a large infestation by winter if not addressed quickly.
Myth-busting moment: one of the biggest misconceptions is that cockroaches only infest dirty homes. While poor hygiene can make an infestation worse, cockroaches are attracted to warmth, food, and moisture - meaning even a spotless kitchen could be at risk if entry points aren’t sealed.
Conclusion
September is the month when the shift into autumn really begins, and while we’re pulling out jumpers and turning the heating on, pests are making similar adjustments. Rodents look for warm nesting sites indoors, spiders become more visible during their mating season, and cockroaches creep closer in search of reliable food and shelter.
By being proactive and watching for the early signs, you can prevent small pest problems from turning into major infestations that last all winter long. Simple steps like sealing gaps, keeping food secure, and maintaining a clean and tidy home can make all the difference.
For extra reassurance, Lodi UK’s Insecticides give you practical tools to keep your home protected. Autumn should be a time for enjoying cosy nights and seasonal treats, not dealing with unwanted houseguests.
Staying pest-aware this September will help keep your home safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy everything the season has to offer.
