Rodents, Cockroaches, Spiders
The onset of fall means many things, like turning the clocks back, shorter days, and the start of cooler weather. However, the commencement of chilly temperatures in Southern California can be a prime time for rodent, cockroaches, and spiders.
While the occasional pest might be unavoidable, you don’t have to spend your fall afraid of a damaging infestation. These are the best ways to prepare for fall pests – and prevent their unwanted presence.
Screen or Block All Areas Open to the Outdoors
Bugs and pests are great at finding sneaky ways into your home, but the last thing you want to do is leave the door open for them. Instead of surrendering before the war even begins, take time to screen or cover all areas of your home that lead to the outdoors, like chimneys, windows, doors, and attic openings. Keep an eye out for signs of animal infestation, too, like droppings. These spaces are likely easy points of access and may require a little extra attention.
There are steps you can take outside your home, too. Once done addressing indoor issues, take a few passes around the your house’s exterior with caulk or another sealant to fix any bug-friendly cracks or rodent-sized holes.
Keep Storage Spaces Cool and Dry
Nothing attracts pests like moisture, so creating a damp environment in closets, basements, and storage spaces is akin to ushering them in yourself. Instead of fostering a hospitable environment for bugs and rodents, keep spaces dry and clean. Fix leaks in pipes, use a dehumidifier where appropriate, and keep all spaces free from debris. If there are home areas, like attics, that are impacted by rain, patch any holes or make roof repairs as appropriate.
If necessary, work with a plumber or contractor to make structural home improvements to facilitate a dry environment. A few simple fixes, like improving ventilation, can make a lasting difference. Cleaning or maintaining drainage systems is important, too. Clogged gutters can mean water damage, which can be an open invitation for bugs. If your gutters are old or outdated, or are draining in the wrong place, this can also be a problem.
Keep Kitchen and Dining Spaces Clean
Crumbs and other food waste are a common reason bugs and insects seek shelter in your home, which is why dirty or messy homes see more pest problems than homes that are regularly cleaned.
Rather than piling dishes in the sink to do in the morning, leaving meal prep remnants on your counters, or abandoning used plates or utensils on the table, take a few extra minutes to clean up each day. Package up all leftovers, store any food not in the refrigerator in airtight containers, wash and dry all dirty dishes or store them in the dishwasher, and keep cupboards and pantries free of food waste. Keep an eye out for signs of trouble, like rodent droppings, and seek professional help at the first indication of a problem.
This can include pet food, too. If you have a cat or dog that free-feeds dry food, consider switching to a dispenser feeding station that provides kibble on demand. If your pets prefer wet food instead, make sure food is stored properly and clean all food bowls as soon as mealtime is over.
Inspect Everything Brought Inside Your Home
Bugs like cockroaches and spiders will take any opportunity to enter your home, and that includes hitching a ride from elsewhere, too. Prior to bringing anything in from outside, from groceries to tools stored in your trunk or garage, inspect them carefully for any kind of invaders. Look inside bags and inspect possessions kept in outdoor storage to confirm there are no bugs or rodents along for the ride.
If firewood is stored outside, make sure it’s kept far away from the home, ideally in a covered location. Firewood can be a prime hiding place for spiders and termites, which can easily end up in your living room. When bringing firewood inside, it’s best to move logs directly from outdoor piles into a fireplace rather than storing logs indoors for prolonged periods of time.
Talk to a Pro
If you’ve done your best to prevent against unwanted invaders but your efforts are falling short, it may be time to bring in a professional. An exterminator can not only eliminate pests in your home but can help you find and address problem areas. This can help you create a game plan both now and in the future, and guarantee your home is as pest-free as possible.
Pests like rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are unavoidable to a certain extent, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with them. By taking simple measures to minimize exposure, like keeping kitchen space clean and preventing moisture throughout a home, you can avoid the worst pest invaders have to offer this fall.
Dealing with termites is no walk in the park. If you believe you have termites in or around your home, Request a free termite inspection online, call us at 888-945-2847 or visit our contact page. All of our termite inspections are no obligation and 100% free!
Recent Comments