15 Easy Ways to Prevent Pest Invasions this Fall

While we’re enjoying more time outdoors this fall, pests and wildlife are making their way indoors looking for warmth and shelter to survive the winter. Here are 15 easy ways prevent a pest invasion this fall:

1. Thoroughly inspect your home for gaps around windows and doors and fix any areas in need of repair

2. Wildlife commonly enter your home through the attic which you can help to prevent by screening attic vents and chimney openings

3. Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaking pipes and correcting drainage issues

4. Keep gutters cleaned and clear of debris

5. Seal any crack and crevices around your home’s exterior with caulk and steel wool, especially around utility pipes

6. Install door sweeps on any exterior doors and replace window & door screens that have been damaged

7. Keep a clean home – wipe up spills immediately, don’t leave food out, store leftovers in sealed containers, and take the garbage out daily

8. Store garbage in sealed receptacles away from your home’s exterior

9. Don’t leave pet food out, inside or outside your home

10. Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around basement foundation and windows

11. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home’s exterior

12. Keep shrubbery and trees trimmed

13. Avoid bringing in boxes or storage containers into your home; instead, go through them outside and bring in what you need after inspecting the items for pests

14. Use yellow bug lights around exterior doors; while they don’t deter bugs, they also don’t attract them like standard white light bulbs

15. Pest control and wildlife control from a professional exterminator – preventative treatments, usually on a quarterly basis, are the best way to eliminate current pest problems and prevent future infestations