Fall Pest Control Tips: Prevent Major Pests

Fall is the season for pumpkin spice, haunted houses, and colorful leaves. Five major pests can make your life miserable. You need to know some effective pest control tips to keep them away.

Little critters will search for shelter as the temperature changes from warm to cold. An infestation can be a miserable problem in any season, whether it is ladybugs, stinkbugs, cluster flies or rodents.

Here are some pest control tips to avoid pest mishaps this fall.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

To stop pests from entering your home, the first step is to prevent them. This can be done by sealing all cracks and crevices around your home. You should inspect your siding and exterior walls for any openings that could be used by rodents or bugs to get in. You can block any openings in your home’s exterior with steel wool or caulk.

Keep your counters clean

Open food at the counter can be like an invitation to all pests. It is best to store food in sealed containers. Do not leave food out for too long. Are you a pet owner? This includes pet food in containers or open bags.

Close Up Garbage

You want to make sure that any food source is sealed, just like the inside of your house. If not handled properly, open garbage can become a breeding ground for pests. It can also attract many pests, including larger creatures, that may be attracted to your garbage.

Make sure basements, crawl spaces, and attics are vented and dried.

Pests love moisture. Certain creatures are more attracted to moist environments than others, making basements, garages and attics particularly vulnerable. Install a dehumidifier in your home to reduce moisture levels and protect it.

Check for open vents

Cracks and small holes can be easily plugged, but it is often overlooked that there are other entry points. Pests can find their way into your home through chimneys, attic vents and pet doors. Screens are the best way to prevent any creatures from invading your home.

Check out the Incoming Packages

Foreign objects are a great way for pests to get into your home. They can be packages, grocery bags or other outside decorations. Pest control is something we should not be thinking about when bringing groceries in. These and many other items can be used to trap pests inside your home. You should inspect everything you bring into your home.

Keep up with the outdoors

Have a fire pit? Pests love to nest in firewood. It is a good idea to keep any refuse, firewood or yard waste at least 20ft from your home. Also, be sure to monitor your drainage system. Open waterways, pipes, and gutters are all common places for rodents or insects. You can prevent pest problems by taking care of your outdoor maintenance.

Repairs

Exterminators recommend that you perform yearly maintenance to keep your home safe from pests this autumn. Repair damaged screens and keep cracks closed. You should screen your windows and seal off any other entry points. Pests can gain entry to your home through loose mortar or weather stripping. You must make repairs if you want to keep pests out and warm your home.

Pay attention to the Signs

No matter how vigilant you may be, it is possible for a pest to enter your home. Recognizing the signs of pest infestation is the best way to keep an eye on a pest problem. You should be looking out for signs such as nests, burrowing or droppings. One stink bug does not necessarily mean that you have an infestation. If you find many stink bugs near your window, it could be a sign that you have a problem. To avoid bigger problems, you should be familiar with what to look out for.

Conclusion

Although fall is a wonderful time of the year, it also serves as an opportunity to remind you to do yearly maintenance to keep your home safe. Pest problems can be avoided if you are vigilant. Prevention is the best way to fight an infestation. Hire a reliable residential pest control professional.