As fall approaches and temperatures drop, pests like insects and rodents look for warm places to take shelter – often inside your home. Eek! To keep your space insect-free during this season, here are some effective tips to help you stay proactive:
Seal Entry Points: One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your home is by sealing off potential entry points. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any openings. Ensure that door and window screens are intact, without any holes, and replace any damaged ones.
Yard Maintenance: Your yard can be a breeding ground for insects, especially when debris piles up. Clear fallen leaves, twigs, and overgrown vegetation, as these provide shelter for pests. Trim back trees and bushes that touch the house, as these can serve as pathways for insects and rodents to enter.
Proper Storage of Firewood: If you store firewood for the colder months, make sure to keep it at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground. Firewood can harbor insects like termites, ants, and beetles that can eventually make their way into your house.
Clean Gutters and Maintain Drainage: Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup, creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes and other moisture-loving insects. Regularly clean your gutters and ensure proper drainage away from your home’s foundation.
Indoor Cleanliness: Inside your home, it’s important to maintain a clean and tidy environment to deter pests. Declutter basements, attics, and storage areas where spiders and insects tend to hide. Keep the kitchen clean, promptly wipe up spills, and store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting pests like ants, cockroaches, and fruit flies. Make sure to fix any leaky faucets or pipes, as pests are often drawn to moisture.
Use Natural Pest Repellents: Incorporating natural repellents is another great strategy. Plants like lavender, marigolds, and chrysanthemums have pest-repellent properties and can be strategically placed around your home. Inside, you can use cedarwood chips, peppermint oil, or vinegar as natural deterrents against common household insects like spiders and ants.
Regular Pest Control: It’s also wise to schedule regular pest inspections, especially during fall, when many pests look for warm indoor environments to overwinter. Most overwintering insects want to find warm areas such as the spaces within walls. Others, such as carpenter ants, prefer moist and/or water damaged wood, leaky pipes or damp basements and attics. Mosquitoes overwinter in dark indoor spaces like basements and garages and/or areas near standing water. A professional pest control service can help identify potential issues early and treat them before they escalate.
By taking these preventive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of pests invading your home this fall. Simple actions like yard upkeep, sealing gaps, and maintaining a clean interior go a long way in keeping insects at bay.
Written by Jack Vale in partnership with wall corner guard manufacturers Cap Corner Guards.
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