The late August sun is still warm, but the subtle signs of seasonal change are on the horizon. As we begin to think about the transition from summer to fall, so do the pests that live around our homes. The cooler nights and changing weather patterns will soon trigger a powerful instinct in spiders, rodents, and other pests: the drive to find a warm, sheltered place to spend the winter. Your home is the perfect target.
Proactive pest control is your best defense against a fall invasion. By taking a few key steps now, before the pests start marching in, you can save yourself a great deal of stress and expense later. At North Point Pest Solutions, we want to share our checklist for a pest-free fall.
The Autumn Onslaught: Who’s Trying to Get In?
As outdoor conditions become less hospitable, several key pests will be looking for a way into your home:
- Rodents: Mice and rats are experts at finding warmth and food sources indoors as outdoor vegetation dies back and temperatures drop.
- Spiders: You’re already seeing more of them due to mating season, and many will seek shelter indoors to overwinter.
- Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs: These occasional invaders gather in large numbers on sunny, exterior walls and will exploit any crack to get inside.
- Cockroaches: While a year-round problem, roaches will be drawn to the moisture and warmth of your home as the outside environment dries up.
Your Late-Summer Pest-Proofing Checklist
Take an afternoon to walk your property and complete these essential tasks.
1. Conduct a Thorough Exterior Inspection: This is the most critical step. Look for any and all potential entry points.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Check the foundation, siding, and around window and door frames. Use silicone caulk to seal any openings you find. Remember, a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
- Check Utility Entry Points: Inspect areas where pipes, wires, and vents enter your home. Seal any gaps with caulk and steel wool (which rodents can’t chew through).
- Repair Screens: Check every window and door screen for rips or tears and repair or replace them as needed.
2. Fortify Your Doors and Windows:
- Check Weather Stripping: Replace any worn or damaged weather stripping around doors and windows to create a tight seal.
- Install Door Sweeps: Add door sweeps to the bottom of all exterior doors, especially the one in your garage.
3. Tidy Up the Perimeter: Pests use clutter around your home as “stepping stones” to get inside.
- Trim Landscaping: Cut back tree branches and shrubs so they don’t touch your house.
- Move Firewood: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and at least a foot off the ground.
- Clear Debris: Remove leaf litter, rock piles, and any other debris from against your foundation.
4. Eliminate Moisture:
- Ensure your gutters are clean and directing water away from your foundation.
- Fix any leaky outdoor faucets or sprinkler heads.
The Professional Advantage
A proactive approach now is the best way to prevent a pest-free fall and winter. While the checklist above is a powerful start, a professional inspection can uncover hidden vulnerabilities you might have missed.
The experts at North Point Pest Solutions can identify potential trouble spots and create a protective barrier around your home to stop pests before they get in. A recurring pest control plan provides year-round protection, ensuring your home is defended no matter the season.
Don’t wait until you hear scurrying in the walls on the first cold night. Use these last warm days to make your home a fortress against autumn pests.
Ready to prepare your home for fall? Contact North Point Pest Solutions today for a seasonal inspection and a proactive pest control plan.
About North Point Pest Solutions:
North Point Pest Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive pest control services in the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing our customers with effective, environmentally responsible solutions to their pest problems. Our team of experienced and certified technicians is committed to delivering exceptional service and lasting results.
