Tips to Pest-Proof your Home this Fall

While it still feels very much like summer outside, fall is quickly approaching. The change of seasons is a great reminder to take preventative measures throughout the interior and exterior of your home to prevent or limit pests from inhabiting these spaces and potentially causing harm to your home or and people and animals living there. Pests can often carry bacteria and diseases, easily transmittable to humans and pets through droppings or contaminated foods.

Because of the heat and humidity in Florida, a plethora of pests call the state home, including several types of cockroaches, mosquitos, earwigs, and spiders. Florida residents need to implement preventative measures to ensure they are protected against these pests and the harmful effects they can have.

INTERIOR PEST PREVENTION MEASURES

Not all pests are harmful, but most present a nuisance for homeowners if they college indoors. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take this fall to keep your home pest-free. Most bugs prefer damp spaces, making attics and basements particularly prone to infestation. Especially in Florida, it’s critical that homeowners keep these areas dry as much as possible. If not already using one, consider running a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas to keep the air dry.

Many pests like the same food as humans, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. Evaluate the storage situation in your kitchen and pantry. Pull all items off the shelves, wipe them down with an all-purpose cleaner, and add items back – organizing as you go and replacing any cracked or broken containers. Doing this in the fall (and a few other times a year) keeps dust and crumbs from piling up and alerts you to any signs of infestation sooner rather than later.

One of the best things you can do this fall for pest prevention is simply look closely all around your home. Do a thorough inspection of all spaces, especially those you don’t often look closely at. Check for any signs of a potential infestation. These signs vary depending on the type of pest. Look for droppings of any size as well as any track marks. Note food containers with holes or that seemed disturbed. Many pests leave behind a must odor as well, so inspect with your nose as well as your eyes. Should you identify any concerning signs, contact a local pest control company as soon as possible to assess and treat the situation.

EXTERIOR PEST PREVENTION MEASURES

Pest-proofing your home doesn’t just involve preventative steps inside. Arming the exterior of your home against pests keeps them from getting inside in the first place. Doing so should be prioritized, especially as seasons change. Autumn evenings are perfect for fires outside in the evening. But, as you stock up on firewood for the fall, be sure to store that wood a fair distance away from the home’s exterior – at least 10-20 feet if possible. Also, for any bushes or shrubs surrounding your home, fall is a great time to trim back some of the summer growth on these. Keeping them trimmed lessens the chance for pests to take shelter in them (and for them to find a way inside).

Pests can be diligent in finding ways inside the home, so cracks or faults in the foundation should be addressed as soon as possible. Spend a few minutes to walk the perimeter of your home, noting any cracks or faulty weather-stripping, and implement repairs for any areas of concern. Insects aren’t the only pests that can make their way inside this way. Some rodents can fit through a hole just as large as a dime.

As temperatures begin to cool this fall, it’s tempting to open up the windows for some fresh air. If window screens aren’t in good condition, however, doing so could open up your home to a number of pests. Use the changing season as an opportunity to inspect all window and door screens, replacing or repairing any as needed. Ensure door sweeps are also in good working order to ensure your home stays pest-free.

The start of fall also signifies the beginning of a long holiday season, with many homeowners decorating their homes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. As you pull out your decorations from storage this season, check containers for signs of pests and dispose of anything that appears nibbled on or infested with critters. This tactic applies to both outdoor and indoor decorations.

LOCAL PEST CONTROL EXPERTS FOR PEST PEST PREVENTION

One of the best tips for pest-proofing your home is to partner with pest experts for regular inspections and treatments. Look for pest control experts that are specifically trained to handle any and all pests in your area. Check the reviews from previous customers, opting for those with consistently high marks for customer satisfaction and quality service.

Regular professional inspections allow issues to be identified and remediated before they escalate. Also, an expert can help you identify and address potential areas of concern in or around your home that make it vulnerable to pest infestations. With the proper pest prevention plan in place, and a trusted team of experts on call in case any issues arise, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your home and family are protected against pests this fall and all year round.