November Watch-List – 5 Essential Pests You Should Know For Peace Of Mind

There’s something almost comforting about November in Dublin. The golden leaves. The shorter days that invite earlier cups of tea. And, of course, the cozy feeling of staying indoors while the weather does its usual unpredictable thing outside. Unfortunately, you’re not the only one craving warmth and shelter. Pests, the eternal freeloaders of autumn, are also on the move and your home might be right at the top of their wish list.

Before you picture yourself barricading doors with a broom, let’s get real. Some pests are just seasonal visitors. Others? They move in like they’re paying rent (they’re not). Here are the top five likely to show up uninvited this November and a few ways to stop them from making themselves too comfortable.

1. Rodents: The Original House Crashers

If Dublin had a “Most Likely to Invade” list, mice and rats would win by a landslide. When temperatures in November drop, these clever little opportunists look for any gap, vent, or unsealed door to sneak through.

The thing about rodents is they don’t need much, just a hole the size of a coin. Once inside, they can chew through wires, insulation, and even food packaging like it’s an open buffet. It’s not just unpleasant. It’s expensive. According to The Irish Times, pest-related damages in homes can cost hundreds per year to repair, depending on the infestation’s extent.

If you hear faint scratching at night or find small droppings near cupboards, don’t wait it out. Rodents are like bad tenants: they multiply fast and never leave quietly.

2. Spiders: The Misunderstood Guests

Spiders in November are like introverted roommates who just happen to look terrifying. Most are harmless, and their presence can actually mean fewer flies and gnats in your home. But that’s not much comfort when one scuttles across your wall at midnight.

What’s drawing them in this November? Warmth, quiet corners, and an abundance of other insects. You’ll often spot them in attics, basements, or under furniture where they can hunt in peace.

Here’s the catch: if you’ve noticed more spiders lately, it might be a sign of another pest problem. Spiders follow the food chain, so where they go, their prey has likely gone first. Kind of like tourists following a food truck through Temple Bar.

3. Silverfish: The Silent Bookworms

Silverfish don’t bite, sting, or spread disease. They just quietly ruin things you love. Old books, wallpaper, cardboard boxes; all fair game.

They thrive in damp, dark areas, which makes Dublin’s winter humidity a bit of a dream come true for them. You’ll find them in bathrooms, basements, or anywhere moisture lingers. The good news is they’re manageable once you find their hangout spots. Dehumidifiers and proper ventilation work wonders.

Think of them like that one friend who overstays their welcome: a gentle nudge (and a dry environment) usually sends them packing.

4. Ants: The Late-Year Opportunists

You’d think ants would take November off. Not quite. Dublin’s milder spells can confuse colonies into staying active longer than usual. The result? Random kitchen invasions that feel completely out of season.

Ants aren’t as destructive as rodents, but they’re annoyingly persistent. Once they’ve found a food source, they’ll keep returning unless you eliminate the trail completely. Natural deterrents like vinegar or peppermint oil sprays can help, but sealing entry points and keeping surfaces spotless is the real long-term fix.

They’re like those friends who only show up when snacks are out: sweet but relentless.

5. Bed Bugs: The Reluctant Souvenirs

Here’s where things get trickier. Bed bugs aren’t drawn to dirt or crumbs; they’re drawn to people. And November travel, especially post-summer or early holiday trips,  is prime time for accidentally bringing them home.

Once inside, they settle into mattresses, sofas, and even the smallest fabric seams. They can live for months without feeding, which makes them both resilient and deeply unwelcome.

If you’ve been traveling recently or hosting guests, it’s worth giving your luggage a quick inspection. Prevention here isn’t about paranoia. It’s about awareness. Because once bed bugs are in, DIY fixes usually won’t cut it.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore the Little Signs

The difference between a minor nuisance and a full-blown infestation usually comes down to timing. Notice the early warning signs: droppings, nests, webbing, tiny chew marks, and act fast. And if the problem feels bigger than your weekend can handle, calling a professional isn’t overreacting. It’s just smart.

You might even find some inspiration from cities that handle their own unique challenges. For example, if you ever need a mental escape from pest season, reading about fall transitions in urban spaces like Seattle’s best urban leaf-peeping spots might just remind you there’s more to autumn than pest patrol.

And speaking of knowing your boundaries, it’s a bit like understanding your rights as a landlord or tenant. Knowing where responsibility starts and ends can save everyone a headache, especially if you’ve ever wondered whether a landlord can refuse to rent to someone. Turns out, prevention and awareness aren’t just pest control strategies. They’re life strategies.

Wrapping It Up

Dublin’s charm in November comes with a few tiny trade-offs. Rodents, spiders, ants, and other determined houseguests aren’t going anywhere soon, but with a little awareness and upkeep, neither are you.

So this November, take the small wins: warm lights, quiet evenings, and a pest-free pantry. After all, it’s your home. You get to decide who stays and who doesn’t.