Top Fall Pest Control Tips
Several homeowners have this misconception that the pest infestation threat ends with the change of season.
Several homeowners have this misconception that the pest infestation threat ends with the change of season. However, as the weather turns colder, many damaging pests like cockroaches, spiders, beetles, bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and ants can make their way indoors. They all seek shelter, warmth, food, and water to survive the winter. As a result, these pests can become a real nuisance and pose a severe risk to the home and its residents.
Therefore, protecting the home from these pesky invaders is essential before the weather gets too cold. Here are a few fall pest prevention tips to keep these unwanted visitors at bay:
Seal all possible entry points
Even the tiniest holes are enough for some pests to sneak into the home. Inspect the home’s exteriors and seal all openings or gaps on the foundation, walls, and siding using caulk, steel wool, or expandable foam. Caulk around windows and doors and replace the weatherstripping if worn out. Seal all cracks and crevices, repair damaged window and door screens, add a screen to the vents and pet doors, install a chimney cap, and install door sweeps to keep pests and insects out of the home.
Control moisture
A wet and moist environment attracts most fall pests. Dark and humid basements, attics, and crawl spaces can become a breeding ground for insects and bugs. Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation to keep these pest-prone areas dry. Check the home plumbing for leaks and other issues and perform necessary repairs to prevent standing water and keep moisture out. Clean gutters if they are clogged to avoid water from backing up near the roofline. Ensure the home has a proper drainage system to prevent water pooling.
Keep the home clean
Another valuable tip to prevent pest problems is ensuring proper cleanliness around the home, especially in the kitchen and pantry. Some measures include:
Use airtight containers for food storage (including pet food)
Clean the counter
Sweep the floors
Immediately clean the spills
Prevent fruits and vegetables from getting overripe
Avoid leaving dirty dishes for too long
Regularly dispose of garbage and keep all garbage cans covered
Inspect everything brought indoors
We can unknowingly host pests with the things we bring inside from the outdoors. So inspect and double-check items like holiday decoration boxes, package deliveries, grocery bags, and luggage before getting them inside the house.
Pest-proof the outdoors
The outside of the home can also invite pests. However, several things we have outdoors can provide a favorable environment for pests, insects, and bugs. To prepare the outside, store firewood safely at a distance from the house, mow grass, prune the trees and shrubs, maintain the landscape, pull weeds, rake debris, and avoid leaves piling in the yard.
Hire a professional pest service
The best pest control tip to protect the home and avoid infestation during fall and winter is to seek professional help. A local pest control service will offer a comprehensive treatment to manage the current infestation and a prevention plan to avoid future invasions.
San Tan Pest And Weed Control offers reliable pest control for residential and commercial customers in Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Lower San Tan Village, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler. Our pest management services control scorpions, ants, termites, bees, wasps, fleas, rodents, cockroaches, weeds, and more. We provide attic and crawl space cleaning and home sealing services to keep pests out. Call us at (480)405-0690.
