Autumn. The season of falling leaves and endless rains. That’s the time of the year when it’s best to sit inside your home and observe the view with a warm cuppa in hand. That is if you can afford it.
However, it’s also the season in which various pests also seek the warmth of your home. All of them will try to gain shelter inside it, and if they can, they will. If they indeed do, you’re in trouble. Not only because your home will be infested, no. It’s because of all the diseases these pests carry.
Let’s take a look at how we can avoid all that, in detail, below.
Pest behaviour during the colder months
With the weather becoming colder, pests make their nests in walls and, specifically rodents, can chew on electrical wires and drywall. They are also known to carry diseases, such as salmonella and Hantavirus. On the other hand, bugs like cockroaches can contaminate stored food items and leave droppings around your home which can trigger allergies, especially in children and people with sensitivities. Even though they may seem harmless, some spiders commonly found inside homes can be poisonous.
Besides these common pests, you’ll probably also have to deal with bed bugs, squirrels and other larger animals. Squirrels, birds, bats and rats, in particular, are very commonly found looking for shelter in a roof’s crevices, making nests and causing property damage such as weakened roof structure, damaged electrical cables, and increased chances of fire. They are also the cause of many annoying and disturbing noises and damage to your personal belongings.
A comprehensive guide to pest-proofing homes for autumn
Because of all pests’ typical behaviour during the colder months, pest-proofing will be necessary to prevent them from infesting your home. There are quite a few home improvements every homeowner can perform to keep any pests outside during autumn.
Sealing entry points
Screen your attic vents and openings to any chimneys and any other areas where your home is open to the outdoors, such as mail slots and animal doors.
Make sure that any cracks and crevices on your home’s exterior are sealed using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to the areas where the utility pipes connect to your house’s structure because even a dime-sized hole can provide accessed to rodents. Cover any vents with mouse mesh and replace any damaged gutters because a hole in them will allow direct access to the attic.
Regularly inspecting for pests
Inspect items such as stored decorations boxes, delivered items and grocery bags before bringing them indoors because pests can actually be very creative and find many ways to get inside your home. Shake out or inspect anything that has been left or stored outside for a while.
A thorough home inspection for pests should include all vents and roof openings, chimneys and skylights, which can provide pests with easy access to your home.
Dispose of garbage properly
Keep your kitchen food counters and garbage bins clean, store your dry goods in airtight containers and dispose of trash regularly in sealed waste bags. Pests are attracted to crumbs and garbage because that’s where they’re looking for food and, because of that, it’s recommended to clean up well after each meal, especially if you have children, and close your outdoor garbage cans properly.
Providing ventilation
Keep any areas prone to dampness well-ventilated and dry, such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Pests are usually attracted to areas with moisture building up in them because it’s something they need to survive. You can also use dehumidifiers in your basements and garages.
Pest preventative measures in autumn
As temperatures cool, there are some additional preventative measures you can undertake so when the pests start seeking warm shelter, your home will be fortified against the invaders.
Weatherstripping
Replace your weather stripping and repair any loose mortar around the foundation of your house and windows. These are fool-proof yet simple ways to keep not only any pests but also cold air out of your house. Besides that, inspect for shingles that are loose or areas of your roof that are pulling away from the awning.
There can also be gaps where the chimney meets the roof and you’ll need to seal them with tar, tiles and sealants. Eventually, this weather damage and breakdown can leave the gaps exposed and you’ll need to re-seal them.
Fill any gaps and cracks around the windows, doors, pipes, plumbing and wherever there’s a break in the siding of your house not only to keep any pests and bugs out of your home but also to keep it well-insulated.
Door sweeps installation
Install door sweeps if you don’t already have such and repair any damaged screens. Torn window screens and any cracks under your doors will be the ideal entry point for pests and when you open your windows, they can also enter through them.
Indoor and outdoor cleanliness maintenance
Avoid leaving your pets’ food bowls out for long periods of time. Pests don’t make a difference between human and pet food and pet dishes that have been left sitting out will be attractive to all kinds of insects and rodents.
Get rid of leaves and other debris around your yard and your house’s foundation to reduce the amount of hiding spots for pests, such as spiders and rodents.
Store any firewood at least 6 meters away from your house and keep any trees and shrubbery around your property well-trimmed to remove the areas where pests can hide and reduce the chance of them finding a way indoors.
You’ll also need to keep less frequented indoor areas tidy. For example, these can be storage areas such as garages sheds and attics which are preferred hiding spots for pests but only if they aren’t cleaned and decluttered regularly. Make sure to also create a cleaning schedule and perform regular vacuuming, wiping of surfaces with the appropriate cleaning supplies in all the other areas inside your home.
Using traps or repellents when needed
If you notice any pest around your house or the beginning of an infestation, you can take a step further than only pest-proofing your house. Pest control inside your house should be your priority because it’s where you eat, sleep and perform all other kinds of everyday activities so you’ll need immediate intervention.
Placing different pest traps around the home will be a good way to get rid of any pests you notice or suspect are present.
However, you’ll need to do some minor research beforehand. For example, if you have a problem with mice, you’ll need mouse traps, and if you have a problem with ants, you’ll need ant traps, etc.
Still, if you’re feeling unprepared to do that, it’s best to leave the task to the professionals. Sure, you may be able to take care of some pests with DIY means. However, in all other cases, you’ll certainly need to contact pest control UK.
Final Words
So, there you have it! By now, you should know how to pest-proof your abode. Autumn should once again be an enjoyable season. Get the tea and the crumpets, sit back and observe the falling leaves some lazy Saturday afternoon.
Knowing that your home is safe and sound, you should have an easy time doing that. However, if you do notice a pest problem, call a qualified UK pest control company. Their specialists have professional equipment and the know-how to do so and will take care of the issue promptly.
Apart from that if you want to know about “Why You Should Spend Some Time Thinking About Stump Removal” then please visit our “Pest Control” Category.
