Summer is not the only time of the year for pest prevention. As the seasons change, take a look at what you need to know about the fall weather prevention strategies that can save your home from insect invaders.
Don’t Assume Pests Disappear in the Fall
Do you have an existing pest problem? If so, the cold weather likely will not make it go away. That means you cannot expect the fall chill to kill the spiders, fleas, or other insects that have already invaded.
Some summertime pests continue to live (and breed) well into the fall — especially if the weather stays warmer. Mosquitoes can stay active until the temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The changing temperatures and the changes in the daylight/nighttime schedules also let the insects know it is time to adjust for the inevitable…changing weather conditions outside. Some creatures, such as Lady Bugs, Box Elder Bugs, and Cluster Flies invade our homes to overwinter in dormant stages and some, like spiders, invade our homes to continue living. This, and the risk of other pests, makes fall prevention and protection necessary for many homeowners.
Do Start With a Professional
DIY fall pest control may reduce the risks. But this strategy is not likely to eliminate the problem and can result in serious health risks for people and pets who come into your home. When insects invade (or if you suspect you have a pest problem), contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.
The extermination expert can evaluate your home (including the outdoor space) and make suggestions for a treatment or prevention plan. This may include a chemical barrier or other similar alternatives. Again, pest control chemicals can pose a danger to humans and animals. Leave sprays, baits, traps, and other treatments to the professionals.
Along with professional-strength treatments, you can also take non-chemical steps to protect your home. These will not replace professional help and work best in combination with what the expert advises. Read on for more information on what to do after the pest control professional treats your home.
Don’t Allow Insects In
The easiest way to stop insects from breeding inside of your home is to prevent entry. Along with a chemical barrier the professional sprays or places, you can stop insect invaders with these easy tips:
- Close all gaps. Look for gaps in window caulking, doors, near the foundation of your home, or in siding/woodwork. Fill the gaps with caulk or another appropriate building material. If you have large cracks or holes, hire a contractor to seal your home.
- Add weather stripping. Now is the ideal time to weather strip under or around doors and windows. This is in addition to caulking or filling holes/gaps. Not only can weather stripping save you in fall and winter heating costs, but it also adds another layer of pest protection.
- Use screens. Did you remove your screens to make space for storm windows? With pest prevention, wait before you remove the screens. This allows you to open the windows in the warm fall weather — without allowing insects in.
- Check dryer vents. Dryer vents often go unnoticed by homeowners, but not pests. This open, warm area is inviting to invaders. Talk to the pest control professional about ways to reduce the risks around this space.
While these steps can prevent new pests from entering your home, they will not remediate an existing invasion. If you already have insects inside of your home, you will need a professional’s help to eliminate the issue.
Do Have a Fall Outdoor Cleanup
Your home is not the only part of your property that attracts pests. Fall-time yard work can also result in an insect invasion. Fallen leaves on your yard, leftover end-of-season garden debris, old mulch, and pre-winter woodpiles can attract pests to your home. Rake and remove leaves and move debris, mulch, or wood far from the exterior walls.
Do you need help with a fall pest problem? Contact A-Alert Exterminating Service Inc for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.