Fall is a beautiful season with crisp air, colorful foliage, and pumpkin-spiced everything. However, as temperatures drop, pests of all kinds seek refuge in the warmth and comfort of our homes. As a homeowner in the Midwest, it’s essential to be proactive in preventing pest infestations during this season of change. In this blog post, we’ll share eight important fall pest prevention tips to help you protect your home and maintain a pest-free environment.

Seal Entry Points

One of the first and most crucial steps in fall pest prevention is sealing entry points that pests can use to infiltrate your home. As the weather cools, insects and rodents seek cozy nesting spots. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes in the foundation, walls, and windows. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points, making it difficult for pests to gain access.

Clean Up Yard Debris

A tidy yard enhances curb appeal and deters pests from entering your home. Fallen leaves, branches, and other debris provide ideal hiding spots for pests like rodents and insects. Rake up leaves and clear away fallen branches regularly. Keeping your yard clean and debris-free minimizes the hiding places for potential invaders.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown trees and shrubs that touch or are too close to your home can act as a bridge for pests like ants and squirrels. Trim back branches and shrubs to create a barrier between your house and the outdoors. This simple step can prevent critters from gaining easy access to your home.

Properly Store Firewood

If you enjoy the warmth of a fireplace or wood-burning stove during the fall and winter months, be cautious about how you store your firewood. Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground. Proper storage helps prevent termites and other wood-boring pests from infesting your house.

Maintain Your Gutters

Gutters are crucial in keeping water away from your home’s foundation. Clogged drains can lead to standing water, an open invitation to pests like mosquitoes. Ensure your gutters are clean and debris-free to prevent water buildup and discourage pests from breeding near your home. Cleaning your gutters also helps you look at your roof regularly and watch for any issues. Roofing discrepancies can lead to leaks, a big problem year-round, especially in the winter.

Inspect and Repair Screens

You’ll want to open your windows as temperatures drop to let in the fresh fall air. However, damaged or missing window and door screens can be an open invitation for pests like flies and mosquitoes. Inspect your screens for tears or holes and repair or replace them to help keep flying insects outside where they belong.

Store Food Properly

Pantry pests and rodents are always on the lookout for accessible food sources. Transfer pantry items like grains, cereals, and pet food into airtight containers to prevent these pests from infiltrating your kitchen. Rodents can chew through cardboard and plastic bags, so investing in quality containers is worth it in the long run.

Schedule Professional Pest Inspections

While the above tips are essential for proactive pest prevention, it’s wise to enlist the help of a professional pest control service for a fall inspection. These experts can identify potential areas you might overlook and provide preventive treatments if necessary. Regular professional examinations can give you peace of mind and ensure your home remains pest-free as the seasons change.

Call PestShield

As Autumn weather settles in throughout the Midwest, homeowners have a unique opportunity to protect their houses from potential pest infestations. Following these eight essential fall pest prevention tips can create a barrier to discourage pests from entering your living space. Remember, prevention is the key to a pest-free home, and taking action now can save you from the hassles and expenses of dealing with infestations later. Enjoy the beauty of fall in Greater St. Louis without worrying about unwelcome guests in your home.

PestShield is committed to keeping our customers’ homes safe and pest-free year-round. Whether you have our in-wall pest control system installed or require traditional pest control treatments, our expert team will help eliminate the problem and go through preventative measures to shield your home from a future infestation. We would love to help with your questions and pest-control needs, so do not hesitate to contact us today!