Prep for Fall With These Pest Control Tips
Image via Flickr by Jim Sorbie
There are many beautiful activities that take place in the fall. It is one of the times of the year that everyone looks forward to. But, fall is also when pests start to search for safe, warm places to nest. As the warm weather turns cold, your home presents one of the most comfortable options for all kinds of pests and rodents, including spiders, squirrels, raccoons, rats, roaches, and mice. These annoying pests do not just constitute an indoor nuisance.
They also put your family and loved ones at risk. Once they come in contact with your storage areas, there’s a risk that they could contaminate your food. Then, you also have to consider the level of structural damage that they can bring to your home. Some pests can chew on electrical wires, wood, and your interior furniture. Some of these critters, like cockroaches, can cause respiratory diseases and allergies. Now is the best time for homeowners to take action and secure their homes from these unwanted guests. If you act now, you will put yourself in the best position to prevent fall infestations.
Prepare for fall with these pest control tips:
Thoroughly Inspect Your Property
Begin your fall preparation by thoroughly inspecting your property. Check for any easy access points outside your home. You will want to find all cracks and crevices and seal them up with silicone caulk. Be sure to check any places where your structure lets in utility pipes. Doorways and window frames can also be entrance points.
Plug Any Larger Holes
Larger holes will need to be closed to prevent rodents. Get some steel wool pieces and use them to seal any large holes in your home. This discourages pests from trying to enter your house because the steel fibers have a rough texture. This is especially helpful against rodents that are known to chew relentlessly through other materials.
Repair/Replace Damaged Screens/Doors
This is also a good time to identify all damaged screens and have them repaired. Install door sweeps as well, if possible. You want to ensure that any doors that have cracks beneath them are fixed. Door cracks are one of the most common entry points for pests. You might also consider installing screens in chimney openings and attic vents. Search for and locate any possible areas that expose your home to the outdoors and repair them.
Do a Fall Clean-Up
Many pests find unkempt environments very attractive. It gives them access to food sources and places to hide. A fall clean-up will not only prepare you for winter weather but can also help to prevent pests and rodents. Keep your gutters clean and ensure that you don’t have stagnant water around. Dispose of garbage properly and keep dumping sites far from your home.
Check the Foundation and Crawl Spaces
Inspect the basement foundation for loose mortar and have it repaired, if needed. Check your crawl spaces, attics, and basement to ensure that they are well ventilated. It would also make sense to install a dehumidifier to keep these spaces dry.
Fall Landscaping
Fall landscaping can help keep your property free of any areas that could harbor pests without your knowledge. Trim your trees and lawn. Avoid storing firewood close to your home. Instead, keep them 20-feet or more away from your house.
When to Contact a Pest Control Professional
By sticking to these fall pest control tips, you can keep your family safe and lower the risk of attracting pests to your home. But, it is still possible that some stubborn pests will find their way into your home. If this happens, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional pest control team to help you deal with the infestation. Solidified Pest Control has pest and rodent removal techniques available for all types of pest infestations. Whether you have a problem with Michigan spiders or you think there might be a rodent living in your garage, we can help.
We provide proven pest and rodent control services to Ann Arbor, Livonia, Redford, Waterford, Clarkston, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Warren, Farmington Hills, Farmington, and all throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. When you need pest control Michigan services, look no further than Solidified Pest Control. Scheduling an appointment with us is also very convenient. You can give us a call today at (866) 614-6762. You can also fill out a contact us form online and we will reach out to you for an appointment. We offer evening and weekend appointments, making it easier than ever to handle your pest control problems.
