Preparing for Fall Pests

With cold temperatures on the way, humans aren’t the only ones who will be looking for warmth this fall. Rodents, insects, and other critters will be searching for a cozy place to spend the winter – and, if you aren’t careful, they could end up creeping into your home. Preparing for fall pests can help you avoid the stress of dealing with a full-blown infestation. 

Common Fall Pests

To create a methodical pest prevention plan, it’s useful to know about the common fall pests in your area. Here in Las Vegas, there are a few main types of pests that may try to sneak indoors during the fall:

• Rats and mice: Rodents are perhaps the most common winter pest in the United States, and infestations can cause serious health issues and property damage.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches can survive severe temperatures, but they usually seek out warm and damp places when the cold weather sets in. 
• Termites: Contrary to popular belief, termites do not hibernate or slow down when temperatures drop. It’s important to always be on the lookout for these pests.
• Spiders: Though some spiders will enter diapause in the winter, others will search for shelter. Infestations could lead to painful bites or web litter throughout the home.
• Bed bugs: Though bed bugs are a year-round pest, people are more likely to pick them up if they take a vacation over the holiday season.

How to Prevent Pests This Fall

A little bit of preparation could spare you from the stress of dealing with an infestation. Thankfully, preventing pests doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. To keep pests out of your home this cold season, follow these tips:

• Seal any cracks or openings to your home: Use caulk to seal off any cracks in your home’s foundation. Be sure to check around windows, doors, and pipes for openings.
• Repair or replace broken screens: Broken screens provide the perfect opportunity for critters to enter your home. To keep pests out, replace any damaged screens as soon as possible.
• Check the condition of your weather stripping: If the weather stripping around your doors or windows is worn down, it could provide an opening for pests to crawl through. Consider replacing weather stripping each fall to keep critters out.
• Store firewood away from your home: Spiders, termites, and other critters may be hiding out in your firewood. Always store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent these pests from sneaking indoors. 
• Keep your landscaping neat and tidy: Regularly raking leaves and trimming back landscaping will prevent pests from hiding out near your home, which will lower your risk of experiencing an infestation.
• Resolve any moisture issues: Like all organisms, pests need water to survive. That’s why they are often drawn to damp or moist areas. Fix any leaky faucets, clogged drains, or other damp areas that pests may flock to.
• Properly dispose of trash: Rodents, cockroaches, and other pests will feed on any garbage or food scraps that are left out. Always store trash in lidded bins and be sure to keep your food in airtight containers.
• Keep your space clean: Crumbs on the floor can be an easy food source for pests, and cluttered spaces make it easy for critters to hide out. Keeping your property clean will make your space less attractive to pests.
• Be cautious while traveling: If you are traveling over the holidays, be sure to check for signs of bed bugs to avoid bringing home an infestation.

Professional Pest Prevention

While pest prevention doesn’t have to be an elaborate process, it can still be pretty time-consuming. That’s where the experts at Pest Control Inc can help! Our licensed technicians have been serving home and business owners throughout the Las Vegas area for over 20 years, so we understand the habits and behaviors of local pests. We use our expertise to create simple yet effective solutions that will keep pests away long-term, so you’ll get peace of mind knowing your property is always protected. To get a free estimate, contact us today!