Don't "Fall" Prey to Pests

                                    Image Credit: Erica Marshall "The Phillyist"

Now that fall is in full swing, many people are enjoying the cooler temperatures in our area. A break from the brutal summer heat brings many people outdoors to enjoy the temperate climate in October. These changes in temperature, however, bring many pests indoors. Rodents, spiders, ants, cockroaches and other pests begin to seek shelter indoors during cooler months, looking for food, water and shelter which become scarce in the cooler months.

Some ways to keep these unwated house guests out this fall are:

•     Check around your home for cracks, crevices and points of entry for pests. Especially check door and window seals, pipe entryways and screens. Most pests need only a very small opening to sneak indoors.
•     Remove all standing water near your home and check for built up moisture from appliances. Many pest come indoors seeking water, so by cutting off their supply it will help to keep them away.
•     Always keep food containers sealed and your home clean of crumbs that pest could use for food.
• Keep firewood a good distance away from your home. Many pest travel via firewood and can easily move into the home when collected.
• Brush away debris and remove limbs/sticks that are directly touching your home. By removing these "bridges" pest will have a harder time gaining access to your home.

If you notice a pest infestation remember to give a licensed professional a call to manage the problem.  Although changes in temperature can bring in unwanted guests, by doing a few, quick and easy steps you won't have to worry about pests ruining any fall festivities.

For more information check out the National Pest Management Association's blog on "Pest Proofing."

Also, DebugtheMyths.com has some great tips on keeping pest out through their Inspect and Protect Week (Oct. 3- 7) initiative here.

 

Comments

[Termite Control]

One good thing to note is that, when it comes to termite extermination, you should choose someone who does specialize in it. Some termites exterminators do not specialize in rooting out termites, and conventional spraying techniques will not work for preventing or getting rid of termites.

[Robert Cody]

Very nice compilation of helpful hints for people that own their own homes. A lot of it is common sense, but even smart people sometimes need to be reminded of the basics. With the advent of the cold weather, a lot of pests will be seeking sanctuary inside homes and other buildings.

[Ampest.com]

Organic is a great choice in pest control prevention. In our industry the move to IPM (Integrated Pest Management) has helped to move pest control towards greener and more organic treatments.

[organic pest control]

You should always treat your home with of course or organic pest control products, which is safe and effective as well.

[Ampest]

Exactly, it's always better to set up some protective measures when you know what's coming than to be surprised by unexpected house guests! Thanks for the comment!

[One Source Pest Control]

Sage advice. Professional pest control services can't restate this information often enough. For those in the industry, it's a given, but still surprising that many homeowners to heed this advice.