Pest Proof Your Home for Fall [infographic]

As the temperatures drop and the leaves fall, many of us look forward to staying cozy in the comfort of our own homes. Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones looking for warmth and shelter this fall. Pests such as rodents, spiders, and insects begin hunting for a nice place to nest, making your home a prime target. Below, our team at Longhorn Termite & Pest Control offers a few tips on how to prevent pests from sharing your home this fall.

• Seal Entry Points: The first line of defense against pests is to make sure they can’t easily enter your home. You’ll need to inspect the gaps and cracks around windows and doors and seal any openings by applying weather stripping or caulk. To prevent gaps underneath, ensure that door sweeps are undamaged and fit snugly against the floor.
• Maintain the Exterior of Your Home: A well-kept yard can help prevent pests from approaching your home in the first place. With this in mind, it’s important to trim shrubs, trees, and other vegetation around the exterior of your home. Also, raking leaves on a regular basis and properly disposing of them helps keep pests away. Finally, it’s important to ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and, if possible, place them away from your home.
• Maintain the Interior of Your Home: A tidy home is less appealing to pests. Start by storing food in airtight containers to keep pests away. Also, maintain a regular cleaning schedule to remove crumbs and wipe up spills that might attract pests, especially in the kitchen area. Also, fall is a great time to declutter in your basement or attic, particularly since some pests, like rodents, tend to thrive in cluttered environments.
• Regularly Check for Signs of Pests: Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials, which indicate that pests have invaded your home. Early detection is critical to preventing a minor issue from becoming a major one.

For peace of mind—and to ensure your home is protected from pests as the seasons change—contact our team today.