As summer begins to wind down, it's time to think about making sure your home is ready for the season ahead. While it's not quite time to prepare for the cold winter weather yet, you should be thinking about autumn. Fallen leaves and cooling temperatures can contribute to pest problems in the home. Perhaps you've noticed that there are more mice on your property in the autumn than in other seasons. Like you, mice are drawn to your home's warmth - plus, they might see your festive jack-o-lantern as a tasty treat. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your home for autumn.
There are several things you can do around the yard that will keep pests from entering your home during the fall and early winter. For starters, you'll want to decide what you'll do with fallen leaves and other plant debris. Many cities offer compost removal as part of the regular waste management services, though you may need to obtain specially designated composting bags.
This Old House Magazine suggested that homeowners check all of the faucets and vents outside their home to prevent freezing and cracking. A burst pipe can greatly damage a home and may even cause problems well into the spring by attracting mold and insects. Nighttime temperatures in the fall can get close to freezing, so you should insulate your faucets and check your gutters for clogs. Occasionally, squirrels and mice will make nests in unkempt gutters, so you may need to clear them out or hire a professional service to maintain them for you.
Once you've taken care of your yard, it's time to move inside. On a cool night, feel around the edges of your windows for drafts. Depending on your situation, you may need to reapply sealer or use plastic sheeting during the cold months to keep drafts out. This is also a good time to look for cracks around doors, which make appealing entry points for pests looking to come in from the cold.
Don't neglect your garage either. LifeHacker recommended stocking up on extra gasoline for your autumn and winter equipment. If you have a wood chipper or leaf attachment for your lawnmower, now's the time to make sure they're in working condition. Rotting leaves and branches will attract all kinds of insects, especially if they're left on the ground until springtime.
Always remember, pests are usually after warmth, food and water. If you can exclude pests from those three resources, you'll be well on your way to a clean, safe home.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Though many bugs and other creatures can cause serious headache for homeowners or anyone managing a garden, there are plenty of critters that actually serve a number of benefits. These may promote healthy plant growth, provide aesthetic beauty or even prey on pests that can otherwise cause damage.
