KEEP OUT!! Pest Proof your home this Fall!!

It has been a very dry and hot summer but fall is in the air and with that comes cooler temperatures. The arrival of cooler weather brings certain pest such as rodents, spiders, box elder bugs, ants and stink bugs indoors seeking shelter for the winter. When making nests in walls, rodents can chew electrical wires, dry wall and damage insulation. They also pass on diseases such as Hantavirus and salmonella. Certain insects could cause harm if a person is bitten and they also can become a nuisance when invading your home. These pests can pose serious risk to both people and homes. Wasps and yellow jackets are also very active this time of year and getting stung could be life threatening to some people. Keeping the nests away from your home is important so people don’t get stung and also so they don’t gain entry into your home.

Below are ten pest-proofing tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that every homeowner can follow to keep pests outside during the fall and winter.

Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors (like animal doors and mail slots)
Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, something they need to survive.
Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home. Pay close attention to where pips enter the structure.
Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly. Crumbs and buildup of garbage are attractive to pests scrounging for food.
Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. These are easy ways to keep not only pests, but also cold air out of the house.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery trimmed. Removing areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.
Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Inspect items such as boxes of decorations, package deliveries and bags before bringing them indoors. Shake out or inspect anything that has been left or stored outside.
Avoid leaving pets’ food dishes out for long periods of time. Pests don’t discriminate between people food and cat food. Pet dishes that have been left sitting out are enticing for all kinds of insects and rodents.
Have a proper outdoor drainage system. Installing gutters or repairing an existing system will help draw water and moisture away from your home, preventing any leaks or build up that might attract pests.

The best way to protect your home and prevent any type of pest infestation during the winter is to follow these pest-proofing tips in the fall when the temperature begins to drop. If you are lacking time you can always call the Pest Professionals at Xtreme Weed & Pest Solutions and we