You’ve made it through another New England summer without a pest infestation and you’re officially in the clear until next spring, right?
Not exactly.
Bugs, insects, and rodents thrive outdoors in the summer heat. Come fall and winter these critters will seek shelter from the falling temperatures. The cold, dry air forces these creepy crawlers and their furry friends into survival mode. They find ways to make themselves cozy in homes, garages, and exterior buildings. As a result, many homeowners find themselves plagued with indoor pests during the fall and winter months.
Five Ways To Protect Your Home From A Pest Invasion
Don’t risk a pest infestation at your home or business this autumn. Here are five preventative measures you can take to ensure all unwanted houseguests stay outside where they belong:
Seal Potential Entrances
Not-so-fun fact: Insects need only 1/16 of an inch wide to crawl into your house, a mouse only requires 1/4 inch. In short, even the tiniest gaps, cracks, and crevices can enable a multitude of bugs and vermin to enter your home. Fall is the perfect time to thoroughly assess your building exterior for any structural compromises. It’s important to properly seal any unnecessary openings.
Install A Chimney Screen
Birds, bats, squirrels – a menagerie of wildlife can use your chimney as a tunnel to get inside your home. If your house currently has an open chimney vent you should consider installing a cap. This will dramatically reduce the possibility of a pest invasion.
Consider Your Trash Routine
Animals love dining on your leftovers. They often make a beeline right to your trash bins to see what was on the menu earlier. If your waste cans are close to your home then this can lure bugs and rodents inside to look for a second course. Investing in airtight lids for your bins is a smart move. Try storing containers as far from your home’s entrance as possible, therefore minimizing the chance that a pest will make its way inside on trash day.
Cut Off Water Supply
Another not-so-fun fact: Cockroaches can go a solid month without food, but will die after one week without water. Turn off your exterior hoses as soon as you can during the fall season. You should also clean out your gutters to ensure they properly drain water away from your home. Additionally, you should keep your sink dry and fix any leaking appliances to prevent animals from hydrating inside your property.
Eliminate Debris On Your Property
Do you have fallen leaves, woodpiles, and debris clusters near your home? You may be offering pests warm, temporary housing before they make their way inside. Insects and rodents love an unkempt property. This offers plenty of hiding spaces and shelter from the elements. Keeping your property clear of foliage, firewood, and branches can prevent them from getting too comfortable in your yard.
Turf Unlimited’s trained and experienced pest technicians can help you fortify your home against fall pests. Contact us today to hear more.
