As the vibrant colors of fall begin to appear and a crisp chill fills the air, we all start to crave the warmth and comfort of our homes. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones. As temperatures drop, common household pests like rodents and spiders are also looking for a cozy place to spend the winter, and your home provides the perfect shelter.
This fall, don’t let uninvited guests get comfortable. A proactive approach to pest prevention now can save you a major headache later. Here’s a guide to sealing up your home and keeping pests out this season.
1. The Great Seal-Up: Inspect and Secure Entry Points
Most pests only need a tiny opening to get inside. A mouse can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime, and insects can enter through even smaller cracks. Your primary defense is a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior.
- Check Doors and Windows: Look for gaps around the frames. Install or replace worn-out weatherstripping and door sweeps. A simple light test can help: if you can see daylight from inside around a closed door, pests can get in.
- Inspect Your Foundation: Walk the perimeter of your house and look for any cracks in the foundation or gaps where pipes and utility lines enter your home. Use caulk, steel wool, or copper mesh to fill these openings securely.
- Seal Gaps in Siding and Roof: Inspect where your siding meets the foundation and where your roofline meets the walls. Pests can climb and find their way in through seemingly small openings. Pay special attention to attic vents and chimneys, ensuring they are properly screened and sealed.
- Repair Damaged Screens: Even a small tear in a window or door screen is an open invitation for spiders and other insects. Check and repair any holes promptly.
2. Tidy Up Your Yard and Storage
Your yard can be a launchpad for pests trying to get inside.
- Trim Bushes and Trees: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home’s exterior walls and roof. These can act as bridges for rodents and insects to gain access to your house.
- Remove Debris: Piles of leaves, firewood stacked too close to the house, and other yard debris create perfect hiding spots for pests. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it off the ground.
- Bring Items Inside Carefully: If you’re bringing in potted plants or outdoor furniture for the winter, give them a thorough inspection first. Spiders and insects can hitch a ride inside on these items.
3. Address Food and Water Sources
Pests are looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. You can make your home less appealing by controlling the first two.
- Store Food Securely: Keep all pantry items, including pet food, in airtight containers.
- Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky faucets or pipes to eliminate a potential water source. Check under sinks and in crawlspaces.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best preventative measures, pests can sometimes find a way inside. If you’ve already noticed signs of an infestation, such as droppings, webs, or sightings of rodents and spiders, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Pinkston Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest management solutions that don’t just react to problems but prevent them. Our professionals can perform a thorough inspection, identify potential entry points you may have missed, and apply a professional-grade barrier to protect your home.
Don’t let pests ruin your cozy autumn. Take action today, and if you need a little help, give us a call.