Fall is one of the best times of the year.
The weather changes to a pleasant cool, the holidays are coming, and it is a very relaxing and exciting season.
But it can also be a bad time for your home, especially when it comes to pests. That is because when the weather gets a bit cooler and easier, the pests come out in droves. They will come out of the woods and out of the grass and will be looking for a new place to call their home. They might choose your house!
When fall is right around the corner, you need to take extra steps to ensure that your house is protected from bugs, rodents, and all sorts of pests that are looking to dig, burrow, and claw their way into your property.
What are some things that you should do at the end of summer to make sure that your house is good to good and healthy and safe from the pests of the outside world?
Seal Cracks
If you don’t want pests to get into your house, you need to make sure they don’t have a pathway inside.
Sealing all of the cracks and crevices in your house is a smart move that will keep out most bugs and rodents. They can sneak in through any small openings, so you should use caulk or steel wool to block up any potential openings from your home’s exterior. This can be a long, complicated process but it’s well worth it because it’s the best way to make sure nothing from the outside gets in.
Keep Your Food Stored
One of the best ways to invite pests – from bugs to rodents – is to leave trash and food out. Your kitchen is a typical spot where food can be left on the counter. When this happens, you are opening up an all you can buffet.
Don’t leave food or drinks out, especially those high in sugar or grease. You should make sure that your food is kept in airtight containers and in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you are done with it. And it never hurts to wipe down any countertops, in order to get rid of any excess sugar, grease, or yummy ingredients.
Close Up Your Garbage
Much like you want to store away any food and not leave it out, you also want to make sure that your garbage is packed away. Make sure that your trash is placed in a bag, sealed tight, and then put in the proper trash can. If you leave your trash out, this will act as a wonderful invitation to all sorts of bugs and rodents.
You should always remember that even if you can’t smell your trash, the pests can. They have a very good sense of smell and can be brought in by exposed trash with ease.
Clean Your Basement & Attic
Now that the weather is getting cooler, there is no better time to go through your basement or attic and make sure it’s clear of clutter. Too much trash or excessive items allows perfect places for pests to hide and build nests. When you have a clean attic and basement, you have less chances of rats, spiders, or roaches calling your place their own.
It is also important to clean these parts of your home because they are the ones that attract the most moisture. And moisture is a hugely attractive feature for pests. Some of the worst pests are attracted to wet, moist environments. If you are able, you should install a dehumidifier in your attic and basement after you sweep through and clean them.
