Fall Pest Control: Keeping Critters Out as Temperatures Drop

As the weather cools and fall settles in, many of us start preparing our homes for the upcoming chill--cozy blankets, warm drinks, and seasonal decorations. But while you're preparing your home for comfort, pests are also preparing to seek out a warm shelter. The drop in temperature drives rodents, insects, and other critters indoors, which can lead to unwanted infestations. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can keep these pests at bay and enjoy a pest-free fall season.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent common pests from invading your home as the weather cools:

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Rodents and insects can squeeze through the smallest of openings, making it essential to seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior.

What You'll Need:

• Caulk or silicone sealant
• Weather stripping
• Expanding foam
• Steel wool (for large holes)

Instructions: 

1. Inspect your home's exterior for any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Even small openings can serve as entry points for pests.
2. Use caulk or silicone sealant to fill in the smaller gaps and cracks. For larger holes, use expanding foam to block the entry.
3. Add weather stripping around doors and windows to close off any remaining gaps. If you notice larger holes, such as those around pipes or vents, fill them with steel wool, as rodents cannot chew through it.

Keep Your Home Clean and Free of Food Sources

Pests are drawn to food, and a few crumbs here and there may be enough to attract them into your home. Keeping your home clean and food properly stored is one of the best ways to prevent pests.

What You'll Need:

• Airtight food storage containers
• Garbage bags and garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
• Disinfectant cleaner
• Broom or vacuum

Instructions

1. Keep all food in airtight containers to prevent pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents from sniffing out easy meals.
2. Regularly clean floors and surfaces, especially in the kitchen, to remove crumbs and spills.
3. Make sure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly to avoid attracting pests.
4. Don't leave pet food out overnight, as it can also attract unwanted critters.

Eliminate Moisture and Water Sources

Many pests, especially insects like cockroaches and ants, are drawn to moisture. Eliminating standing water and reducing moisture in your home can help deter them.

What You'll Need:

• Dehumidifier
• Drain covers
• Sump pump (if necessary)
• Pipe insulation

Instructions:

1. Use a dehumidifier in areas of your home that are prone to moisture, such as basements or crawl spaces.
2. Ensure there is no standing water in or around your home. Check for leaks under sinks, around appliances, and near pipes. Fix any leaks immediately.
3. Cover drains when not in use to prevent insects from entering through the pipes.
4. If necessary, install a sump pump in areas prone to flooding or standing water to keep your basement dry.

Trim Outdoor Vegetation

Pests often enter homes by climbing or crawling through overgrown trees, bushes, or plants near your home's exterior. By trimming back vegetation, you can reduce their access points.

What You'll Need:

• Hedge trimmer or pruning shears
• Leaf blower or rake
• Mulch

Instructions:

1. Trim back any bushes, trees, or plants that are touching or growing close to your home. This will prevent pests like spiders, ants, and even rodents from using them as bridges into your home.
2. Remove any piles of leaves, grass clippings, or wood from near the foundation of your home. These materials can serve as nesting spots for pests.
3. Add a layer of mulch around the foundation of your home to create a barrier that pests are less likely to cross.

Install Pest Screens and Door Sweeps

Even if you've sealed the gaps, smaller pests may still be able to enter through open windows, vents, or under doors. Pest screens and door sweeps are excellent solutions to block these points of entry.

What You'll Need:

• Door sweeps
• Mesh pest screens
• Scissors or utility knife
• Screws or adhesive

Instructions:

1. Install door sweeps along the bottoms of all exterior doors to prevent pests from squeezing through gaps.
2. Fit mesh screens over vents, chimneys, and windows to allow for airflow while blocking out insects and small animals.
3. Check that all existing window and door screens are in good condition. If you find any tears or holes, repair or replace the screens to maintain your defense against pests.

Use Natural Pest Deterrents

If you prefer to avoid chemical solutions, there are several natural pest repellents you can use to keep critters at bay.

What You'll Need:

• Essential oils (such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil)
• Cotton balls or spray bottle
• Cedar chips

Instructions:

1. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around the edges of your windows, doors, and other entry points. Peppermint oil is particularly effective for repelling rodents and insects.
2. Place cedar chips or sachets in closets, drawers, or areas where pests may hide. Cedar is a natural deterrent for many insects, including moths and spiders.
3. Soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them in areas where you've noticed pest activity, such as near doorways or under sinks.

Keep Your Home Critter-Free This Fall

By following these simple steps, you can prevent pests from invading your home as the temperatures drop. A little proactive effort goes a long way toward maintaining a comfortable and critter-free living space.

For all your fall pest control supplies, tools, and home maintenance needs, visit Baker's Ace Hardware in Monroe, MI. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find everything you need to protect your home from pests this season. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice or to pick up the necessary materials for your next project!