Temperatures are starting to drop... and well, it's that time of the year when our warm homes become welcoming refuge for bugs, rodents and other pests.

For rodents, for example, there are many DIY rodent control strategies, but personally, I don't think I can do it. I'd rather call in a professional exterminator who would not only be able to get rid of the critters, but hopefully prevent other from coming as well.

Insects such as ladybugs are also known to infest homes in autumn, and cause indoor allergies. If you see ladybugs in your home, do not squash them as it will trigger a release of their defensive chemicals and worsen any allergy symptoms. Get someone who's not allergic to vacuum them up and deposit them outside. Or, for a more permanent solution, seek help from professional terminators like Terminix.