When leaves start changing colors, you know fall has arrived. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you’re done dealing with bugs. Many pests hide inside until winter has passed. Pest-proofing your home is key to avoiding an infestation. Check out six tips to keep fall pests out of your home.
1. Make Repairs
Before fall pests arrive, you’ll want to make a few home repairs. Check for any cracks or gaps around your house. Seal these with caulk or steel wool. Repair or replace damaged door or window screens and weather-stripping. Don’t forget to check your garage door for worn seals. Fix leaky pipes and ensure your gutters aren’t clogged to avoid moisture build-up.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
A messy home can be the perfect place for pests to settle down for the winter. Clean up crumbs and spills to avoid attracting hungry bugs. If your home is filled with clutter, you’ll want to organize to reduce potential hiding spots. Store your items in plastic bins to prevent bugs from sneaking inside. Take your trash out regularly and place it in trash bins with tight-fitting lids. Vacuuming and sweeping can also help to remove any bugs that have slipped into your home.
3. Keep Your Yard Clean
Having a well-maintained yard is just as important as keeping your home clean. Remove yard debris like leaves, rocks, and branches. Trim plants and shrubs so they aren’t touching the side of your house. This will make it harder for pests to enter your home. Check for and remove any items that can hold water like old flowerpots, tires, or toys.
4. Don’t Leave Food Out
Many pests won’t hesitate to eat your food. Store your ingredients in containers with an airtight seal. This will help to keep pantry pests out of your food. Place fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator to avoid attracting pests. If you have pets, keep their food in a container with a lid. Avoid leaving their food out overnight to keep bugs out of it.
5. Check for Pests
Pests love to hitch a ride on items into your home. When pulling your things out of storage, check for them. You’ll also want to make sure your groceries aren’t transporting bugs inside. Many pests will hide in firewood, so be careful when carrying it into your home. It’s also a good idea to store firewood at least twenty feet from your house. Keep your eyes open for signs of bugs in your home.
6. Create a Protective Barrier
Using plant-based insecticide sprays can help to prevent pests. Our Yard Bug Spray kills pests on contact and provides you with residual repellency. Spraying the perimeter of your yard and home will create a protective barrier that helps to keep bugs out. You can also spray near doors and windows with our Home Bug Spray to deter pest activity. It will kill pests on contact and repel them too.
Sharing your home with bugs isn’t a great way to spend the fall. That’s why it’s important to pest-proof your house. If pests are bugging you, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.