From creepy crawlers to wicked winged creatures, many insects are active well into the fall season. And some find a way indoors in search of food, warmth, and shelter. Don’t let your home be a haven for common fall pests. Find out how to pest-proof your home and create an unwelcome environment for these uninvited guests.

Common Fall Pests: The Usual Suspects

Ants, spiders, beetles, ladybugs, roaches, wasps, fleas, bees, and termites. As the weather gets crisper, the creatures start creeping into your home. Some pests, like ladybugs, are well-loved when outside, but become a nuisance when they invade your living space in large numbers. Other insects, like termites are capable of causing structural damage. And then there are spiders, who actually catch and eat the bugs that bug you, but leave behind wispy webs where you don’t want them. A big concern, however, is the health issues that can occur from bites or the contamination of your food. Follow these tips for keeping common fall pests out.

Prevent Pests from the Inside

  • Less is more, and by tidying up you eliminate hiding places for pests. Piles of paper and stacked boxes make a comfy place for pests, and even become a food source for some. Clean up the clutter in your home, including attics, garages, and basements and pests won’t have a warm place to overwinter.
  • Get out the vacuum and get into the cracks and crevices. The vacuum not only sucks up nests, eggs, and cobwebs, but even the pests themselves.
  • Many creatures crave a moist environment, or the rotting wood it creates. Fix any leaky pipes or clogged drains.
  • Keep your kitchen clean and eliminate food sources. Pests are attracted to food and crumbs laying around, so be sure to clean up and keep leftovers sealed up in covered containers. Remove garbage regularly.
  • Don’t give creepy creatures easy access. Seal up cracks and crevices using caulk. Replace weather stripping around windows and doors and repair any damaged screens. Cover attic vents and chimney openings with screens.

Prevent Pests from the Outside

  • Tidying up includes outside your home. Put away tools, toys, and lawn furniture and make sure firewood is stacked neatly away from the house. Any items left on the lawn make good hiding places for pests.
  • Don’t neglect your raking duties. Leaves on the ground create a nice moist shelter for pests. The moist mat also damages the grass by giving fungal diseases a place to thrive.
  • When mulching to protect plants and trees before winter sets in, make sure to use a minimalistic approach. Mulch in thick layers makes warm place for pests to nest. Another nice place to nest is long grass, so keep mowing regularly.
  • Trim back branches and shrubs so they are not coming in contact with the outside of the house, creating a convenient walkway for critters to get inside.

Call in an Expert

Fear not, the first frost kills off many pests. But the ones that are already comfortably inside escape this bitter end. If you think you have a pest infestation in your home or wish to prevent one, contact Free Spray Lawn Care at 419-529-5296. We’ll help you stay pest free in any season.