Halloween Horrors: Real-Life Pest Nightmares and How to Avoid Them

The Rats in the Walls: A Nightmare That Started With a Drip

Rodents thrive in dark, undisturbed areas—especially when moisture is present. As temperatures cool in the fall, rats and mice actively seek out warm indoor shelter with access to water, nesting materials, and food. What started as a drip turned into a full-blown infestation.

How to Avoid It:

1. Fix leaks immediately

• Even a small plumbing leak can lead to moisture buildup behind walls and under floors.

• Regularly inspect under sinks, around toilets, behind appliances, and near water heaters for signs of leaking or dampness.

• Use moisture sensors or smart leak detectors in hard-to-see areas for early warnings.

2. Monitor insulation and wall integrity

• Damaged or damp insulation is a magnet for nesting rodents.

• If you notice sagging drywall, musty odors, or cold spots on walls, investigate further.

• Replace water-damaged insulation and seal off interior voids to limit hiding places.

3. Seal up exterior access points

• Rats can squeeze through openings as small as 2 cm (the size of a quarter).

• Check the perimeter of your home, especially around:

  • Foundation cracks

  • Pipe and utility line penetrations

  • Dryer vents and exterior wall gaps

  • Gaps under garage and exterior doors

Cockroach Crawl-Out: A Halloween Party Gone Wrong

Cockroaches are stealthy pests that thrive in moist, hidden places—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and cluttered storage areas. Once they settle in, they reproduce rapidly and are tough to eliminate without professional help.

How to Avoid It:

1. Declutter and remove roach-friendly materials

• Cockroaches love to nest in paper and cardboard, which hold moisture and offer shelter.

• Go through bathroom, basement, and closet storage regularly to:

  • Discard old magazines, damp paper towels, and used cardboard boxes

  • Replace cardboard storage with sealed plastic bins

  • Throw away expired or unused toiletries that may have residue

2. Keep cabinets clean and dry

• Under-sink cabinets are often neglected but are prime spots for moisture and pest activity.

• To reduce attraction and access:

  • Fix leaky pipes, slow drips, and condensation buildup

  • Use moisture absorbers or baking soda containers to keep the area dry

  • Wipe down shelves regularly with a disinfectant spray to remove food particles, dust, and residue

3. Adopt a consistent cleaning routine

• Roaches can survive on the tiniest food crumbs, soap residue, or grease trails.

• Even if a room isn’t used often, pests will still explore it if it offers food or water.

  • Sweep or vacuum floors regularly—even in guest bathrooms and laundry rooms

  • Clean behind and under appliances, like washing machines or mini-fridges

  • Empty trash bins frequently, especially those that contain tissues, wrappers, or food scraps

4. Be proactive before hosting guests

• Before a big event, inspect common areas and lesser-used rooms for signs of pests.

• Check behind cabinet doors, under sinks, and in storage areas for droppings, shed skins, or musty odors—common indicators of a roach infestation.

Spider Surprise in the Halloween Decor Bin

Storage areas like attics, crawl spaces, and basements offer quiet, dark, and undisturbed environments that many pests—especially spiders—love. When left unchecked, these areas can quickly turn into real-life haunted hideouts.

How to Avoid It:

1. Store décor in pest-proof containers

• Use sealed plastic bins: Spiders can easily slip into cardboard boxes, especially ones with small tears or damp corners. Plastic containers with tight lids create a more secure barrier.

• Avoid fabric or open-topped storage: These make it easy for pests to crawl in and settle unnoticed.

2. Label and organize storage clearly

• Keep seasonal bins off the floor: Place them on shelves or pallets to prevent easy access for crawling pests.

• Group by season: This helps minimize rummaging and keeps bins sealed longer, reducing exposure to open air.

3. Inspect decorations before bringing them inside

• Unpack bins outdoors or in a garage: Give everything a quick once-over to check for webs, eggs, or live bugs.

• Shake out fabric items and wipe down plastic or ceramic pieces: This ensures you’re not bringing pests into your main living space.

• Use gloves when handling décor stored long-term—especially from attics or crawl spaces.

Tips to Keep the Frights Outside This Fall

Want to avoid your own Halloween horror story? Here’s a practical checklist to help you pest-proof your Burnaby home before pests settle in for the season. These steps not only protect against infestations—they also bring peace of mind as the weather cools and pests look for shelter.

1. Seal All Cracks, Gaps, and Entry Points

• Inspect the perimeter of your home: Focus on foundation edges, siding seams, window frames, and around doors.

• Don’t overlook utility access points: Check areas where cables, gas lines, and pipes enter the home.

• Apply the right sealants: Use silicone caulk for small cracks and expanding foam or steel wool for larger gaps.

• Install weather stripping and door sweeps: Prevent drafts—and pests—from sneaking in under doors and windows.

2. Store Food Properly & Maintain Clean Surfaces

• Use airtight containers: Transfer dry goods like cereal, rice, flour, and pet food into sealed plastic or glass containers.

• Clean up immediately after meals: Wipe countertops, sweep up crumbs, and avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight.

• Empty trash and compost bins regularly: Always use bins with tight-fitting lids and keep them away from entry points.

3. Keep Basements, Attics, and Crawl Spaces Dry

• Use dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas: Spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, and rodents love humid environments.

• Check for signs of leaks: Inspect plumbing, water heaters, and window wells for dampness or water damage.

• Add vapor barriers in crawl spaces: This helps keep ground moisture from seeping in and creating pest-friendly conditions.

• Remove clutter: Cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and unused furniture make great hiding and nesting spots for pests.

Creepy crawlies and unexpected infestations are no treat—but they are preventable. At Knockout Pest Control, we help Burnaby homeowners tackle pest issues head-on with expert inspections, eco-friendly treatments, and year-round protection plans.

If your home has signs of something spooky—or you just want to keep it that way—schedule your fall pest prevention service with Knockout today.Let the only scares this October be the ones you decorate for!
Proudly serving Burnaby and surrounding BC communities.

[https://www.knockoutpest.ca/]