As the temperatures drop, pests quickly begin looking for their cold-weather hideout, somewhere warm where they can wait out the season. Often, people’s homes end up being their top choice. Fall is prime time for rodents, bats, Asian lady beetles and other overwintering pests. Before they make their move indoors, it helps to get your home prepped and protected. Here’s what to do:
Clean Up Your Yard
Your yard is the first line of defense against fall pests, so it’s worth giving it some attention as the cold weather settles in. Rake up fallen leaves, clear out yard debris and dead plants, and trim back overgrown shrubs and trees, especially those that are touching or hanging close to your home. Hanging branches and overgrown shrubs provide bridges for pests to reach entry points. Move firewood piles away from your home, and store them off the ground, as firewood is a prime hiding spot for spiders, rodents and other pests.
Make the Indoors Less Attractive
Pests make their way inside in search of three things: food, water and shelter. Make sure your home isn’t providing any of these so it’s less appealing to pests. Store food in airtight containers, secure trash, clean up crumbs and spills, and avoid leaving pet food or dirty dishes out overnight. Fix leaking faucets and remove sources of standing water, as moisture and water sources are huge attractants for pests. The less your home has to offer, the less likely that pests will invade.
Prevent Them From Getting Inside
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your home from pests is to prevent them from getting inside. Most pests are small, which means that even the tiniest of holes and gaps around your home’s exterior are basically welcome mats to these invaders. Seal small gaps around pipes, cracks in the siding or gaps around the foundation with caulk. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows, and install wire mesh over vents. Inspect your home for any small openings where pests can enter, and close them.
Declutter
While it’s a myth that pests only infest messy homes, clutter gives pests exactly what they’re looking for: dark, undisturbed hiding places. In preparation for cooler months, go through storage areas like closets, garages and basements. Clear out any clutter and organize what you decide to keep in airtight plastic storage bins, as cardboard boxes are attractants for certain pests and nesting material for others. Plus, having a clean and organized space makes it much easier to spot potential infestations before they have a chance to get out of hand.
Get Preventative Pest Treatment
Professional pest treatment is a great complement to your at-home pest prevention strategies. A licensed team will inspect your home for vulnerabilities and attractants, treat existing problem areas, and apply barrier and exclusion techniques to keep pests from invading. Getting ahead of the problem with preventative pest treatment is one of the best things you can do to protect your home from the fall horde.
Looking for professional Waukee pest treatment to keep fall pests at bay? Pro-Staff has got your back! Call us today at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.
