When the seasons change your pest control strategies will often change as well. As the days get shorter and cooler temps bring a welcome respite from the sweltering summer, certain household pests will begin to seek shelter from the impending winter. Ants, roaches, spiders, and rodents may set their sights on your home as a nice, cozy place to escape the chill of the cooler months to come, meaning you’ll have some very unwelcome house guests. Seasonal insect problems can cause you a lot of problems, but they don’t have to. You can have a pest free fall, just follow these tips.
Block all Access Points into Your Home
Pests can only get into your home if they have a way to get in. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home on the inside and outside. Areas to look for include:
- Good seals around doors and windows
- Screens (in good condition) on attic vents
- No cracks in window sills and door frames
- Crawl space is screened
- No cracks or gaps around pipes
- All window screens are in good shape with no holes
These may sound like very simple steps, but they can be very effective in keeping raccoons, squirrels, rats, and other nuisance wildlife as well as insects like roaches and ants out of your home. Keep in mind, though, a mouse can fit through an opening that is the size of a dime so don’t underestimate even tiny cracks and holes.
Take Away Your Home’s “Pest Appeal”
There are three reasons that wildlife and insects enter your home: water, food, and harborage. Unfortunately, many homes offer more than their fair share of these things thanks to their unwitting owners. All you have to do is remove the promise of water, food, and harborage, thus taking away your home’s “pest appeal.” For instance, ants and roaches are particularly drawn to standing water, so don’t leave dishes in the sink and pick up your pet’s food and water bowls before going to bed. You should also:
- Take out your garbage regularly and don’t let it pile up
- After you prepare food, wipe down your counters
- Keep your floors swept and mopped
- Reduce clutter in your home
- Avoid letting books, newspapers, and magazines pile up
Use Pest Prevention Techniques in Your Yard
It stands to reason, if you have pests in your yard then it’s just a matter of time until they are in your home. Excessive ground covering, wood piles, and heavy foliage are major attractants for both insects and wildlife. Animals like raccoons and squirrels will seek out shelter in trees, brush, and hollow stumps. By removing clutter from your property, you greatly reduce your chances of unwanted pests in and around your home. Pick up any items that may hold water or provide shelter to pests, including barbecue pits, patio furniture, and children’s toys. Store them in an outbuilding, but when you get pest control for your home and yard, treat those outbuildings too.
Professional Pest Control can Keep Pests out of Your Home
Each time the seasons change, it’s a good idea to have a pest control professional inspect your property and provide a pest risk assessment. A technician will walk your property and examine your home to identify areas that are potential risk points. They will work with you to create a plan designed to keep pests away from your home.
Let Consolidated Pest Control help you get a pest free start to fall. Our technicians are knowledgeable about seasonal pest problems. They will get pests out of your home and keep them out. Call today. Don’t let pests mess with your fall fun; call today.
