Autumn Pest Control

Autumn Pest Control

studio portrait of a brown domestic rat

Autumn is a great time of year, as it sets the tone for the beginning of the holiday season. While checking your home for cracks and holes is a great way to keep the cool drafts outside (and save on your electricity bill), it also helps with pest control. Just as you are looking to stay warm, so are many pests. Below are some common pest issues during the fall season and ways to handle them.
1.       Spiders – We’re talking about more than just your Halloween decorations. These creepy, crawly eight-legged creatures can easily slip through cracks in your windows or door frames, as well as through holes in your floors or outside your home. There are many insect killer sprays that can be found at your local store that you can spray around any open areas; however, be sure to follow instructions to keep you and your family safe. Do a thorough inspection of your home; if more than one spider is found, you may have a bigger problem in the form of a nest on your hands that your local pest control company will need to handle. The bigger the spider, the bigger the problem!
2.       Bed bugs – These can be extremely difficult to find; most are “discovered” once you’ve already been bitten. If bed bugs are suspected, contact your local pest control company immediately. To prevent them, wash all bedding materials in high temperatures and vacuum often.
3.       Rodents – It’s certainly not a challenge at all for these small critters to slip inside of your home. Whether it’s through a hole in the floor or an opening on the outside of your home, they can and will find a way in if there’s a route. There are a variety of mouse traps and poisons that can be purchased from your local hardware store (again, be sure to read instructions for safety). If this doesn’t help, or if you suspect a nest, call your pest control company sooner rather than later. Seal all holes and cracks, thoroughly inspect both inside and outside of your home, and be sure to keep your house clean and free of clutter. Wash all dirty dishes and store foods in tightly sealed containers. Do not leave out your pet’s food, as rodents aren’t picky with their appetites!
4.       Cockroaches – These bugs are attracted to moisture and water, so you’ll want to check all of your pipes and your drainage systems for leaks. Remove any obstructions on drains and clean your pipes so they’re free of debris/buildup. Again, there are chemicals that can be bought from your local store that you can use to prevent bugs from returning. As with rodents, don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, especially if they have food debris on them, and keep all food products in airtight containers.
5.       Fleas – These can be as aggravating and as difficult to get rid of as bed bugs, they can also be hard to spot until it’s too late and you’ve already been bitten. If you have pets inside your home, wash them on a regular basis. You may also give them flea medicine if they go outside often or place a flea collar around their neck. There are many store bought remedies to killing fleas; however, if the problem is massive, your local exterminator may have to “flea bomb” your home to rid it of these unwanted guests.
6.       Squirrels, Bats, and Birds – If you have a damaged roof or an open chimney, you may find one (or all three!) residing within your home. Check your attic ceiling for any damage that you may have been unaware of and fix immediately if present; seal your chimney with an appropriate cap. Keep your garage door down as much as possible and keep the space clutter free.