Fall Pest Prevention: 7 Expert Tips to Keep Your Home Pest-Free

Ah, fall - the season of comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and spooky movies by the fireplace. But guess what? While you’re all warm and cozy, wrapped up in your blanket, some uninvited guests are plotting to join your fall movie marathon, and we’re not talking about vampires, ghosts, or goblins. We’re talking pests. Fear not, though, because we’ve got expert tips to keep your home pest-free this fall season so you can embrace the spooky season without the fear of real creepy crawlies. 

1. Seal cracks, gaps, and holes:  

Just like you see in every horror film - lock your doors! Okay, maybe not literally, but you will want to inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes where pests might squeeze through. Seal them up using caulk or weatherstripping. Don’t forget to replace torn screens on doors and windows - let’s keep the buggies on the outside. 

2. Tidy up for a pest-free home:  

Maintaining a clean home is pretty much a year-round gig, but it is crucial in the fall for pest prevention. Crumbs, spills, left out food - oh my! These are an open invitation for ants, roaches, and even mice. Start wiping under your appliances, vacuum those late-night munchie crumbs from under the couch, and of course, take out the trash! 

3. Fall yard work:  

Owning a home with a yard comes with many perks, one being yard work, right? The fall season brings leaf piles and pumpkin decorations, but we have some work to do to keep pests away. Clear those leaves and debris from your yard - they love hiding in them. Overgrown bushes and shrubs? They are on the highway to your home. It’s time to book them a haircut so they don’t serve as a pest speakeasy. 

4. Clean your gutters:  

While you’re working on your yard, don’t forget about your gutters! Clogged gutters can create standing water, which is like a five-star resort for mosquitoes and other water-loving bugs. Grab that ladder, and give your gutters some TLC. Or call in the professionals that can do it for you. 

5. Find a new place to store your firewood:  

Spiders, termites, and ants love wood as much as you do when it’s time for a cozy fire. To be smart about firewood storage, keep it at least 20 feet from your home, elevate it off the ground, and cover it up to avoid these hitchhikers. 

6. Call in the pest pros: 

After a mild summer, the pest population ramps up, and you could be stuck with more uninvited guests than you can handle. Consider bringing in the ghostbusters of the pest world; they are equipped with the tools to tackle your pest problems. 

7. Control moisture levels:   

We may all love the movie Shrek, but we don't want to live like him. Water is like a bug magnet. Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and drains to prevent moisture buildup. If water is still finding its way into your crawlspace or basement, it's time to call in the professionals. Thrasher is ready to help keep outside elements on the outside. Crawlspace encapsulation keeps your space dry, improves indoor air quality, regulates temperatures, and reduces pest infestations. To schedule your free estimate, fill out this form or call us to speak with a customer care representative. 

Fall pest prevention can ensure the only thing spooky about your home this season is your decorations. By sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, keeping a clean lawn, and following the other tips mentioned, you can create the best defense plan against fall pests.