How to Prepare for Pests at Home this Fall Season

Pests continue to exist all year round. Regardless of the season, they find ways to find a dwelling convenient enough for them to stay and thrive. Inevitably, in their quest for survival, pests invade places they aren’t supposed to be and our home is no exception.

In the fall, when the temperature starts to drop, pests even try harder to search for warmth in preparation for the colder months. Homeowners must, therefore, take advantage of the fall season to start prepping their homes for the possibility of pest invasion. During this time, the temperature is tolerable enough for you to carry out some pest maintenance tasks without freezing from the cold.

Preventing Fall Pests from Entering our Home

The human home is one perfect spot where pests can easily hunt for food and take a warm cozy vacation when fall comes. Areas like the attic, pantry, basement, laundry room, garage, and yard among others can provide pests enough shelter. Thus, you need to look out for these places and do maintenance inspections during the fall season. Specifically, here are several things you can do to get ready for fall pests:

• Clean your kitchen, pantry, and kitchen appliances.

These zones are normally frequented by pests like roaches, ants, rodents, and flies. Your kitchen and pantry provide abundant food sources for pests. You need to especially clean these areas by removing grease, food spillage, and food debris present therein. Always clean up after eating and sanitize your kitchen floors and appliances (i.e. stove, microwave, oven, countertops, and refrigerator) right after using.

• Seal all cracks, holes, and gaps that provide pests entrances to your household.

They gain access to our home because they see entry points. As the homeowner, be mindful of any cracks, tears on the screen, or holes large enough to allow them to squeeze their way through your household. Repair damages on walls, doors, and windows and make sure to seal gaps and cracks using steel wool or caulk. Don’t forget to have your chimneys covered as well for they can be used by pests as the entrance to your home.

• Take out the trash regularly.

This is out of the question. Pests like rodents, ants, and flies are attracted to trash bins because of the smell of food coming from rubbish and waste. Throw out your garbage daily to avoid waste accumulation and smelly overflowing of trash, which are pretty much inviting to filthy pests. If you store garbage outdoors, make sure the trash bins are covered tightly.

• Eliminate excessive moist and standing water.

Mosquitos and flies are harmful pests that breed in standing water. Roaches also prefer moist environments. These carry viruses and spread lethal diseases. Thus, you need to prevent them from thriving on your property before they will contaminate the food you eat. Remove any vessel that collects and holds water and keep your surroundings dry as much as possible.

• Reduce pest harborage areas in different parts of your home.

Inspect your home and remove anything that provides pests a comfortable space to hide. One way to realize this is to get rid of clutter and debris. Unused objects (i.e. toys, shoes, and old tires) and empty boxes should be taken away before rodents, roaches, and spiders reside in them. Also clean your gutters, basements, attics, and garage for they serve as perfect harborage spots for pests.

• Vacuum regularly.

One of the easiest but most effective pest control tips is vacuum cleaning. If you want to eliminate dirt, clutter, dust, and cobwebs—which insects and bugs use as hiding sanctuaries—you need to vacuum on a regular basis to deny pests any opportunity to thrive. 

• Store food properly in well-sealed food containers.

To make your home less appealing to pests, you have to remove anything that attracts their attention. Pests have a very sensitive sense of scent. They stubbornly go to your food no matter what. Roaches, for example, are disgusting bacteria carriers and are the last things you want anywhere near your food and belongings. One cockroach removal measures a homeowner can do is to keep your food stored in containers with air-tight covers.

It is expected that pests will invade buildings and homes during the fall to get away from the cold and prepare for the winter months. Hence, you have to be more vigilant in protecting your home from pests during this time and follow the aforementioned pest control strategies. For more professional advice and guidance, take to experts from a licensed pest control company in your area.