As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, fall not only ushers in a season of pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters but also a wave of pests seeking refuge from the cooling temperatures. Preparing your Caseyville, IL home for these unwelcome visitors is essential to maintain a comfortable and pest-free environment. Here are some effective steps you can take to safeguard your home during the fall season.
Seal Up Cracks and Openings
The initial strategy for pest control is to block their entry. Examine the outside of your house for any cracks or openings. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter the house, as these can be common entry points for small rodents and insects. Use caulk to seal small cracks and steel wool or wire mesh for larger gaps. Ensuring that there are no easy access points helps in keeping pests outside where they belong.
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
Pests are primarily attracted to food sources. Ensure your kitchen is free of food remnants by wiping down counters and sweeping floors regularly. Store food in tightly sealed containers and avoid leaving dishes in the sink overnight. Managing your garbage is also crucial; use a bin with a tight-fitting lid and take out the trash regularly to prevent odors that attract pests.
Manage Moisture
Many pests, including rodents and insects like cockroaches, are attracted to moisture. Check for leaking pipes and clogged drains and fix any issues promptly. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home, like basements and crawl spaces, can also help deter pests by reducing humidity.
Clean Up the Yard
Your yard can offer a habitat for pests which can then make their way into your Caseyville, IL home. Keep your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed back from the house. Remove any piles of leaves or debris where pests can hide and breed. Moreover, keep firewood stored at least 20 feet from your house and raised off the ground. This will help keep termites and other pests away from your home’s structure.
Use Appropriate Lighting
Insects are attracted to standard mercury vapor light bulbs. If possible, replace outdoor lighting with bulbs that have a yellow tint or are labeled as bug lights. These lights are less attractive to insects and can help reduce the number of pests drawn to your home.
Inspect Items Before Bringing Them Inside
Pests can hitch a ride into your home on various items. Check groceries, boxes, and even second-hand furniture for any signs of pests before bringing them indoors. Pay close attention during the fall when these items might be coming from storage areas that are more susceptible to pest infestations.
Regularly Inspect and Clean
Regular inspections and cleaning can go a long way in preventing pest infestations. Pay attention to less frequented spaces like attics, basements, and garages. Keeping these areas clean and clutter-free reduces hiding spots for pests and makes it easier to spot any signs of an infestation early on.
Need help preparing your home for fall time pests in Caseyville, IL, contact Brady Pest Solutions today.
