Around this time of year, you may start to see signs of insects, mice and other pests in your kitchen, bathroom or attic spaces. Thankfully, there are some simple measures you can take to prevent these critters from moving in for the winter.
Fall is finally approaching, which means that the long, hot days we traditionally associate with being bitten up by pests are nearly over. But don't let your guard down just yet — pests can still be very active during the fall and this is always the time that insects and other pests start making their way into your home.
FOUR WAYS TO KEEP PESTS OUT OF YOUR HOUSE THIS FALL
1. Seal off pest entry points to your home.
Once the cold starts to move in, pests like stink bugs and mice start looking for a warm winter home — and you may be unwittingly rolling out the welcome mat. Before fall settles in, be sure to seal off any cracks or openings to the outside of your home. Check the gutters, windows and attic spaces to ensure your whole home is impenetrable to carpet beetles, mice and other unwelcome intruders. Consider installing mesh gutter guards to keep debris from building up and curious creatures from searching for easy entry. Last but not least, try to avoid leaving your doors open unnecessarily, even between trips to the car for groceries.
2. Remove debris from around your home.
Dead leaves, stacks of wood, overgrown grass, old tires and other junk or debris can provide shelter for pests. It's only a matter of time before those pests find ways into your home, especially if any of those potential pest shelters bump up against your home's exterior. Rake up leaves, trim grass and growth back away from your exterior walls, clean out your gutters and place everything in bags properly stored away from your home. Remove junk and debris that can collect water perfect for mosquito nests or that can simply provide shelter for rodents. Keep firewood stacked away from your home and raised off the ground.
3. Keep food closed up tight.
If an ant wanders into your home and finds a good source of food, it’s likely to invite its thousands of friends. That's why you should make sure all your food storage is airtight — and that includes all pet food storage. Clean up carefully after meals, and make sure all trash cans have lids that fit. This will make your home less of a target for pests looking for a meal they can’t find outside.
4. Remove any sources of liquid.
Pests like cockroaches often come inside seeking moisture. Check air conditioning units for leaks, as well as any other places that could harbor standing water. Examine all the faucets and shower heads in your home to make sure they aren’t leaky. A clogged drain or cracked pipe could get worse in the winter months, so take time to make these inspections before temperatures drop.
It's a good idea to prepare your home for cooler temperatures on an annual basis to keep out unwanted pests. After you've caulked up the holes and repaired the leaks, it’s time to sit back and relax until spring, when the warm weather wakes up hibernating insects and termite swarm season begins.
The professionals from Terminix® can assist you in pest control and help you put a plan in place to keep pests out of your house before the leaves begin to fall.
