6 Fall Pest Control Tips to Keep Your Space Pest-Free

As the leaves change color and the cold weather approaches, you’re likely not the only one looking to get cozy. Cooler temperatures often push pests to seek comfort in your warm, inviting home, which can lead to everything from spiders to mice and stink bugs to set up shop in your space. Luckily, these fall pest control tips can help save you from pesky surprises all season long. 

1. Seal All Entry Points 

The most logical but time-consuming fall pest control tip is to inspect your home for any obvious entry points, and then seal spots that could allow pests to make their way inside. This is especially important near windows and doors, as caulk can crack over time and make for an easy path into your premises. You can recaulk, use weather stripping, or expandable foam to keep gaps closed. 

2. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Pests are drawn to moisture since they need water to survive. Make sure to keep your basement, attic, and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry to keep excess moisture at bay. It also helps to repair leaky faucets, clean out your gutters, and ensure proper drainage is in place to avoid a potential pest control problem. 

3. Keep Your Kitchen Clean 

Crumbs and spills are bug buffets, which is why cleaning your kitchen daily can prevent pests from munching on your leftovers. Sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces after each meal can keep ants and other opportunists at bay. However, if you’re already maintaining the cleanliness of your kitchen and still have regular pests stopping by, it may be time to reach out to your local exterminator. 

4. Maintain Your Outdoor Areas 

Overgrown landscaping near your home can act as a welcome area for pests to hide until it’s time to make their way inside. Trim shrubs or bushes near your home regularly and make sure to keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your house. These steps will prevent pesky insects like stinkbugs from inserting themselves in your living room. 

5. Inspect Your Seasonal Decor 

That box of faux pumpkins that’s been sitting in your garage since last fall could use a good shake before you unpack it inside your home. Spiders, wasps, and other small squatters can hide in stored decorations, waiting for the right time to escape. Be sure to open and unpack seasonal decor outside before bringing your gourds indoors. 

6. Hire a Pro for Additional Help

If you’ve sealed, cleaned, inspected, and you’re still spotting pests on a regular basis, it’s time to hire an exterminator. If you’re at your wits’ end, a pest control professional will inspect your home and come up with a treatment plan before you’re seriously outnumbered. If the problem has escalated to hearing scratching in the walls or seeing droppings in multiple places, the issue is even more urgent and hiring an exterminator is essential.