Fall Tips to Prevent a Pest Infestation

As the vibrant colors of autumn foliage paint the Minnesota landscape and the temperatures start to drop, insects and rodents begin to prepare for winter. Some may seek shelter and warmth indoors, making it crucial for homeowners to take proactive steps in pest prevention. Implementing these fall pest prevention tips below can go a long way in reducing your chances of having an infestation down the road. Remember, the key to the best pest prevention is staying proactive and addressing issues early before they get out of hand.

Keep your home & garage organized

The best way to prevent pests is not to give them a comfortable space to take up residence. Clutter and food-free areas are less appealing to pests, so keep your home organized and tidy, including storage areas like basements, attics, and garages. Opt for plastic bins or pest-proof containers instead of cardboard boxes, making it harder for pests to access and hide. Regularly vacuum and clean your home, paying special attention to areas where crumbs or food debris might accumulate.

How is your food being stored?

Maintain your yard, especially next to your home

Your yard can be a source of both shelter and food for pests. Trim back trees and bushes from your home’s foundation, rake up fallen leaves, and clean out below-ground window wells. A lot of bugs will spend the winter under leaf litter, and if kept close to your foundation, they can find their way inside following the heat of your house.

Store firewood properly

If you use firewood during the fall and winter months, store it at least 20 feet away from your home and five inches off the ground. This prevents pests like carpenter ants from finding their way into your living space through the firewood.

Watch out for hitchhikers

Fall is when outdoor furniture, planters, and other items may be brought inside. Before bringing seasonal decorations or items stored in attics or garages inside your home, inspect them thoroughly for pests or signs of pest activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks. This simple step can prevent unwanted guests from entering your living space.

Eliminate moisture

Pests are often attracted to moisture. Ensure that you fix any leaky pipes and clear clogged gutters to eliminate potential water sources. Additionally, consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces to make these spaces less inviting to moisture-loving bugs and other pests.

Maintain common entry points

Pests can enter your home through a variety of methods. By inspecting, and performing routine maintenance, you can help reduce the likelihood of their infestation.

Check screens and vents

Attic and crawl space vents should have intact and tight-fitting screens. Regularly inspect and maintain these screens, and be sure to repair or replace any damaged window or door screens. Keeping these barriers intact can help prevent pests from entering your home.

Add or replace weather stripping

Ensure that all windows and doors have tight-fitting weather stripping. If you notice gaps or damaged stripping, replace it promptly. Properly sealed windows and doors will help keep pests out.

Seal exterior cracks and holes

Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and holes, particularly around utility accesses. Use caulk or other mouse-resistant materials to seal any openings, paying close attention to holes larger than 3/8 inch. These small openings can be an open invitation to mice and other pests.

Change your outdoor bulbs

Consider switching to yellow or red outdoor lighting. Insects are less attracted to these colors; they perceive them differently than white or blue lights. This simple adjustment can help reduce the presence of flying insects around your home.

Know when to hire an expert

If you live in an area with high pest pressure, such as near water or forests, or if you’ve struggled to control pests in your home, it might be time to seek professional pest prevention services. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts to keep your home pest-free!

Fall Tips to Prevent a Pest Infestation

Keep your home & garage organized

How is your food being stored?

Maintain your yard, especially next to your home

Store firewood properly

Watch out for hitchhikers

Eliminate moisture

Maintain common entry points

Check screens and vents

Add or replace weather stripping

Seal exterior cracks and holes

Change your outdoor bulbs

Know when to hire an expert

Other items you may be interested in:

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Why Are Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs in My Home?

Tips for Do-It-Yourself Mice Control

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