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Maywood's Ultimate Fall Pest Prevention Guide
October 15, 2020
As the summer comes to an end, it's time to prepare for the fall. You need to get your heater ready, take out your winter clothes, and prepare the kids for school. But there's something else you should get ready for - pests. When the lower temperatures come, pests start to make their way into homes. Check out this guide to fall pest prevention and protect your home.
Why You Need Fall Pest Prevention
Many common household pests are happy to remain outside. The food and moisture they need are readily available, and they have no reason to go inside your home. In the fall, that changes. The harsh weather drives many types of pests indoors.
In addition to escaping from the cold, pests also need to find new food sources. They are more likely to head into your home in search of crumbs and other leftovers. If you want to keep pests where they belong, you need to be proactive. That means taking steps to deter pests before the cold weather sets in.
Prevention Tips
The following tips could keep your home free from fall pests:
1. Do A Deep Clean
People often think of the spring as cleaning time. However, fall cleaning is just as crucial as spring cleaning.
Pests love clutter. Typically, it gives them plenty of hiding spots. Additionally, clutter usually comes with crumbs, so pests like insects and rodents often thrive in cluttered homes.
When you clean, be sure to remove as much clutter as possible. You should also clean behind hard-to-reach areas, like the oven and refrigerator. Don't ignore your closet or pantry. If you cut corners, you could end up with a serious infestation.
2. Check Your Attic
Your attic could be a haven for pests. To make sure your attic remains pest-free, inspect it and look for potential pest entrances. Are there any visible holes or cracks? If so, seal them up.
While you're up there, look for signs of a current infestation. Be on the lookout for mouse droppings, shed insect skins, and other pest remnants.
3. Store Your Food With Care
Your pantry is a prime place for pests. If your food is in unsealed containers, pests can make their way in. Mice can chew through cardboard, and ants are small enough to go through small holes in the packaging.
To keep your food inaccessible, you need to seal it in containers. Most pests can't get through tightly sealed plastic or glass containers, so using them can protect your home.
You should also avoid leaving food on your counters. When you're done with a meal, wrap your food or place it in a covered container.
4. Use Trash Cans With Lids
If you don't cover your trash, the garbage will attract pests into your home. Buy cans that have sealed lids. When your trash can gets full, empty the garbage as soon as possible.
5. Clean Yard Debris
When the fall comes, the trees lose their leaves. If you don't clean up those leaves and remove the piles, you'll soon have a pest problem.
6. Seal Entry Points
It's important to seal up all potential pest entrances. Using sealant and other materials, close up cracks and crevices in your walls. Repair your screens and install door sweeps.
7. Reduce Moisture
Keeping your home dry can prevent pests. To reduce humidity in your bathroom, install vents, or use a dehumidifier. Fix any leaking fixtures or broken pipes, and you'll also limit excess moisture.
8. Call An Expert
The best form of pest protection is with on-going assistance from the professionals at Holifield Pest Management.
