Fall Tips for Pest Prevention

The air is growing colder, the leaves are beginning to fall and the summer is quickly ending. For the diligent homeowner concerned with pest control, this means it’s time for a few bits of basic fall maintenance.

At Greenside, our exterminators can help with all pest control areas as you prepare your home or business for the cold winter ahead. Here are some basic tips to observe at this time of year.

Seal Openings and Cracks

Any openings into the home are opportunities for pests to make their way inside. Consider utility openings where wiring or pipes enter the home – anything bigger than one-sixteenth of an inch could allow in spiders and other insects, and anything bigger than a quarter inch can allow in mice. Use caulk, expandable foam or copper mesh to seal any openings.

In addition, consider any cracks or gaps around windows or doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any cracks here – be sure to clean and remove old caulk before doing so. If you have a garage door in your home, consider sealing it with a rubber seal.

Chimney Cap

If you have a chimney, consider installing a chimney cap to keep out birds, bats and other wildlife. If you have attic vents, install wire mesh to keep larger rodents from infesting the attic or the walls of your home.

Exterior Conditions

Check on all the exterior conditions of your home and whether they may be inviting to pests. Things like woodpiles, trees and shrubs, door lighting and others may impact how attracted pests are to your entryways. Speak to our experts for specific tips here.

Screens

Check all screens in windows and doors throughout the house for any rips and holes. If you find small ones, you can mend these. If they’re larger, you should consider replacing the entire screen to keep the home safe from flying insects.

Want to learn more about fall tips, or interested in any of our residential or commercial pest control services? Speak to the experts at Greenside today.