Halloween is here, and everywhere you look, it’s all about haunted houses, cobwebs, and bats in the belfry. You might be decorating your home with plastic spiders or fake skeletons—but beware! Some of the creepy crawlies you think are just decorations might actually be real pests living in your walls, attic, or basement.

While these creatures may only seem spooky, they can also cause serious problems for homeowners and business owners alike. Here’s a look at some of the creepiest critters you might encounter this fall, and why it’s best to keep them outside where they belong.

Bats – Not Just for Haunted Houses

Bats have long been associated with spooky stories, flying out at dusk and hiding in attics—or worse, turning into vampires. But these nocturnal visitors aren’t just scary—they can also pose real risks.

Bat droppings, called guano, can accumulate in attics and around entry points, contaminating surfaces and even your indoor air. Though rare, bats can carry rabies, and bites might go unnoticed while you’re sleeping. 

They only need a crack the size of your pinky finger to enter your home, and once inside, they can hide anywhere—from behind picture frames to drapes and lamps. 

You might notice them by the chirping sounds at dawn or dusk as they come and go from feedings, or by finding small piles of droppings near windows, vents, or doors. If you spot signs, call an expert. We don’t recommend trying to handle bat removal on your own. Due to state wildlife regulations, bat removal—especially during breeding season and after birth, only partial bat removal work is allowed—full exclusion must wait until it’s safe for the bats, so professional handling is required.

Spiders – Masters of Cobweb Décor

Spiders are the classic creepy-crawly, decorating your home with webs that look straight out of a Halloween scene. Most house spiders are harmless, but you may occasionally encounter more concerning species, like black widows or brown recluses, especially if traveling or receiving shipments from out of state.

Common spiders in Upstate NY include:

• Daddy longlegs
• House spiders
• Wolf spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Orb weavers
• Fishing spiders

More dangerous species, like black widows or brown recluses, have potent venom, but they are rarely a problem for New Yorkers. In fact, if you think you’ve spotted a black widow, it might just be another spider altogether.

Spiders can be a nuisance, leaving unsightly webs in basements, corners, garages, and woodpiles. They’re more common in late summer and fall when they seek indoor spaces to mate. While they play a beneficial role by feeding on other insects, their presence can indicate other pest issues in your home, and infestations should be addressed. 

Rodents – The Spooky Scuttling Sounds in the Walls

Few pests send chills down your spine like rodents. Mice and rats are small, fast, and invasive, making you feel like your personal space has been violated. Common species in Upstate NY include house mice, deer mice, and Norway rats.

Rodents are year-round pests, often seeking shelter from extreme heat or cold, and searching for food indoors when outdoor sources are scarce. Signs of infestation include:

• Droppings
• Gnaw marks on walls, furniture, or wiring
• Scratching or scuttling sounds at night

The risks aren’t just creepy—they’re real. Rodents can damage property, create fire hazards by chewing wires, and spread diseases like hantavirus through their droppings and urine. Seeing one mouse usually means there are more, so professional pest control is key to fully resolving the issue.

Other Spooky Contenders

Occasional invaders are not year-round pests – they live most of their life outdoors breeding and feeding. Most will enter into homes and other buildings in the late fall as they search for a secluded warm place to overwinter in. Some of these unwanted visitors might include:

• Centipedes
• Cockroaches
• Moths
• Stink bugs

While smaller and less dramatic than bats, spiders, or rodents, these pests can still cause annoyances and damage to your home.

Don’t Let the Real Scares Move In

Halloween decorations are fun—but real-life infestations are no joke. Protect your home and your sanity by taking proactive steps:

• Schedule regular pest inspections with a professional.
• Store decorations in plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes to prevent pests from sneaking in.
• Address small pest problems before they become big—and truly scary—issues.

Thomas Pest Services offers comprehensive pest inspections and preventative services to help homeowners and business owners in the Capital Region keep the real creepy crawlers out. 

Protect your home from the real Halloween horrors! Schedule an inspection today for peace of mind and a safe, pest-free home.