Preparing Your Home for the Fall Invasion

As the weather turns cold and the leaves change colors, we all put on our sweaters, turn on our heaters, and get cozy for the approaching winter. Some insects also have “cozy” thoughts on their minds too.

Most insects either die out when temperatures get below freezing or try to hide in the soil or in a crack or crevice to wait out the winter. They can enter a type of hibernation called diapause to conserve energy and make it until spring.

Other insects have figured out that you have this big,warm structure already prepared for them. They are the ones that are called fall invaders.

Fall invaders can cause headaches, damage, and sometimes health concerns. Early preparation is the key to avoiding a fall pest invasion. By making a few simple changes to your home and yard, you can keep pests out and prevent costly damage and infestations.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to seal entry points to block pests.

• How to maintain a pest-free outdoor environment.

• What preventive measures to take inside your home.

Now, let’s dive into how you can pest-proof your home for fall!

Prevention is Key

One of the best ways to stop fall invaders from making themselves at home is by sealing up the places they can slip in. Insects, rodents, and other pests are experts at finding tiny gaps and cracks, so your goal is to eliminate their entryways.

Identify Common Entry Areas: Pests typically sneak in through small cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and holes where pipes or cables enter the house. Even a tiny space is enough for a mouse or insect to get inside.

Seal Cracks and Gaps: Walk around your home’s exterior and use caulking or weatherstripping to seal any visible cracks and gaps. Pay extra attention to places where utilities come in or where the siding meets the foundation.

Check Screens and Vents: Ensure window screens are in good shape, with no tears or holes. For vents in the attic, crawlspace, or basement, install fine mesh covers to block pests without restricting airflow.

Door Sweeps and Weatherstripping: Don’t forget about your doors. A small gap at the bottom of an exterior door can let all kinds of pests in. Installing door sweeps and weatherstripping will help keep both pests and drafts out.

If you can prevent pests from getting inside, you are 90% of the way to a pest-free home!

Outdoor Maintenance

Even if you defend your home like Fort Knox, you don’t want the outside to be a safe haven for pests. Keeping the area around your home tidy is an important part of preventing an infestation.

You can do this by keeping up with your lawn care and maintenance, making sure the lawn is mowed, shrubs and bushes are trimmed, and any firewood or brush is cleared away from the home.

Additionally, in the fall, you’ll want to inspect any outbuildings you may have, like sheds, garages, or workshops. You don’t want pests to hide in them, either, or they may make a mess of your stored goods and equipment.

You may also want to secure your trash cans or compost bins to avoid attracting any rodents or insects.

Indoor Preventive Measures

Even with your home sealed and your yard cleared, a few pests might still find their way inside. To keep them from making themselves comfortable, it’s important to take some simple preventive measures indoors.

• Clean up any spilled food

• Promptly take out the trash

• Vacuum frequently

• Set traps and baits under crawlspaces or in crawlspaces and basements

If you’ve tried everything and pests are still a problem, it might be time to call in the pros. Pest control professionals can identify hidden infestations and provide safe and effective solutions for long-term prevention.

Why Choose Pest Pro Solutions

Calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep those fall invaders away from your home and property.

Whether you need a pest inspection, monitoring, or effective treatments, you’re just a call away from getting a pest-free home.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!