As the temperatures start to drop and the fall season sets in, you know what that means - the pest are looking for a warm place to spend the winter. And unfortunately, that often means trying to find their way into your home. But don't worry, with some preventative measures you can avoid unwanted fall pest problems like roaches, ants, and rodents ruining your fall. The key is to think like a pest and make your home as unappealing as possible. By focusing on eliminating access points, food sources, and shelter, you'll be sipping a pumpkin spice latte in peace. Read on to find out how you can bug-proof your home this fall and keep those pests out where they belong.
Why It Is Prime Time For Fall Pest Problems In Florida
In the Fall, pests on the move in Florida. As the weather cools, critters like cockroaches, fleas and rodents head indoors for warmth and food. To prevent an infestation this season, there are a few steps you can take.
Outside, clear your yard of debris where pests can hide. Store firewood up off the ground and away from the house. Fix any cracks or holes in foundations, siding, roofs, and entryways to remove easy access points for pests to get inside.
Inside, caulk and weatherstrip around windows, pipes, the attic entrance and the garage entryway. Store food in airtight containers and clean up food waste. Take out the trash regularly.
Vacuum frequently to pick up crumbs and pet hair that can attract pests. Store boxes, papers and clutter in sealed bins or bags. Check your attic and garage for additional entry points and seal them.
By reducing access to food, water and shelter, you make your home far less hospitable to uninvited fall guests. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take the time now to pest-proof your place. Come winter, you'll be cozy inside without the creepy-crawlies as company.
Tips For Fall Prevention Inside Your Home
To prevent pests from invading your home this fall, you'll need to take action. Inside, there are a few key things you can do:
Seal Up Any Cracks Or Holes In Walls, Foundations And Crawl Spaces
Use caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps or repair damaged screens to eliminate access points for pests like fleas, flies, rodents and other insects.
Practice Good Sanitation And Storage Habits
Keep food sealed and surfaces clean to avoid attracting ants, cockroaches, mice or rats. Store items like firewood, lumber or compost up off the ground and covered. Standing water not only breeds mosquitoes. It can attract other pests looking for water such as roaches or rodents. So, empty pet bowls, gutters, birdbaths and kiddie pools.
Use Natural Repellents
Place cedar blocks, lavender oil, eucalyptus, lemon or peppermint essential oils around entryways or in problem areas. The strong smell deters many pests in a natural, non-toxic way. You can also try electronic repellents that emit high-frequency sounds.
Inspect Items Before Bringing Them Inside.
Shake out and inspect clothing, towels, shoes and camping gear for any hitchhiking pests before bringing them in the house. This also includes any holiday decorations that have been kept in storage for a while. It is a good idea to store these items in sealed bags or bins until you are ready to use them.
Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Yard and Exterior
To prevent pests from invading your yard this fall, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
Store Items Off The Ground
Don't give pests places to hide. Keep firewood, lumber, and compost elevated and off the ground. Stack items on racks or pallets so they're not directly on soil or grass. This removes shelter and breeding spots for pests like termites, rodents, and cockroaches.
Practice Good Yard Hygiene
Keep your yard clean and free of debris like leaf litter, brush, and yard waste. Remove standing water from pet bowls, gutters, birdbaths, and any other containers. Also, keep grass mowed, trimmed and raked. Long, overgrown grass also provides habitat for pests.
Use Natural Repellents
You can make your own natural pest repellents using essential oils, chili or coffee grounds. Spray diluted essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint or citronella oil around entry points or the perimeter of your yard. The strong smell will deter many pests. You can also sprinkle used coffee grounds or chili pepper in areas where you see pests. The strong scent will drive them away.
Inspect For Damage Regularly
Do frequent inspections of your yard and exterior to check for any signs of pest damage or activity. Look for chewed wood, frass, nests and droppings which indicate the presence of termites, carpenter ants, rodents or other pests. Catching problems early, before pests have fully infested an area, makes eliminating them much easier. Take action right away to mitigate damage and get rid of the pests.
Safely Getting Rid of Fall Pests in Florida
Once the cooler fall weather arrives in Florida, pesky invaders may start appearing around homes. It’s best to take preventative measures to avoid issues with common fall pests in the first place. If some still sneak in, attempt to deal with them safely and humanely.
Use Pest Control Safely
As a last resort, you may need to use pest control products to eliminate an infestation. Choose natural or organic sprays, baits or repellents over harsh chemicals when possible. Always follow directions and use proper safety gear. Place bait stations or traps in areas away from kids and pets. This ensures you get rid of the pests in a safe and responsible manner.
Signs You Need Professional Pest Control
As much as you try to prevent pests in and around your home, sometimes problems arise that require professional help. Don't try to handle these situations yourself—call an expert.
Widespread Infestation
If you notice pests have invaded large parts of the inside or outside of your home, it's best to call a pro. Trying to eliminate an infestation that's gotten out of control can be difficult and often requires commercial-grade products and equipment to fully eradicate the problem. Professionals have the proper training, tools and pesticides to wipe out large infestations of insects like cockroaches, ants, and termites or rodents such as rats and mice.
Structural Damage
Have you noticed droppings, chewed wood or wires, sagging walls or floors in your attic? This could indicate you have a pest problem and they may have already caused damage to your home's structure or plumbing/electrical systems. Call Super D Pest Control right away for an inspection and to determine necessary repairs and pest removal. Attempting repairs or pest control yourself in these situations could be dangerous.
Health Issues
Some pests like rodents, cockroaches and bed bugs may transmit diseases or trigger allergic reactions. If you or family members are experiencing health issues like rashes, respiratory problems or stomach upset that you believe may be related to pests in the home, call a pro to test for potential pests and get advice for eliminating them properly while avoiding further health complications.
In these types of serious pest scenarios, calling a professional exterminator like Super D Pest Control is your best strategy. Don't delay—get expert help right away. Your home, health and wallet will thank you.
Call Super D Pest Control To Eliminate Your Fall Pest Problems
By taking some simple preventative measures now, you can avoid many of the pest problems that tend to pop up in the Florida fall season. If you do see any unwanted visitors, deal with them right away by calling Super Pest Control at (727) 433-5310 or use the "Let's Chat" feature below to contract us on the website.