When the warm summer weather begins to cool, many people turn to warm mugs of coffee and thick winter coats to keep themselves warm. You might change the temperature on your thermostat or keep an extra pair of fuzzy socks on hand. We have many amenities that allow us to stay warm when the weather grows colder. Insect and animal pests, on the other hand, do not. They will take every opportunity to invade our warm Collierville homes.
Why do fall pests invade in the first place?
There are many pests that can be considered fall pests. A few of the most common include raccoons, squirrels, rats, and mice. As the weather becomes colder, many pests begin searching for warm sheltered locations where they can stay for the winter. If that location provides an ample amount of food and water, some “fall pests” will stick around once spring returns. Does your Collierville home provide all the warmth, shelter, food, and water that fall pests need to survive the winter? If raccoons, squirrels, rats, or mice invade your property this winter, it won’t take them long to inflict damage to your home or possibly spread serious illnesses to your family.
Indoor Fall Pest Prevention
To avoid the risk of damage and disease, it’s important to take steps to pest-proof your Collierville home. One of the best ways you can avoid fall pests is by removing the factors that make your property an appealing spot to spend the winter. Remember, pests such as mice, rats, raccoons, and squirrels are after three things: food, shelter, and water.
- Deep clean your home to remove dust, grime, and debris from your surfaces and floor spaces.
- Remove or organize clutter such as papers and boxes to eliminate possible hiding spots.
- Clean under heavy appliances such as your oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
- Store leftover foods in your refrigerator or in plastic containers.
- Clean crumbs and sticky spots from your counter surfaces.
- Keep your garbage cans sealed properly.
- Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and drains to reduce moisture.
- Replace water-damaged wood.
Outdoor Fall Pest Prevention
Removing factors that could attract fall pests in a great start, but don’t stop there. There are several ways you can stop pests before they get inside. A few outdoor pest-prevention tips you should implement around your Collierville home include:
- Cutting foliage and brush away from your exterior walls
- Clearing debris such as sticks, leaf piles, toys, lumber, or other materials away from your lawn
- Sealing cracks you find in your foundation and exterior walls with a caulking gun
- Repairing loose shingles or roofing
Why You Need Professional Fall Pest Management
Pest infestations lead to unnecessary stress, damaged furniture, and the spread of disease. Some pests become aggressive when cornered or threatened, which can leave you with painful bites and scratches. Simply put, pests are dangerous.
While there are many ways you can try to keep pests away from your home, you should never try to deal with fall pest infestations without professional help. At Proven Pest Management, we make it our goal to keep pests out of your home year-round. If fall pests are causing problems on your property, consider reaching out to the pest control technicians here at Proven Pest Management. We are ready and willing to assist you with all of your pest control needs. Give us a call today for more information about our home pest control programs or to schedule an inspection. No matter what pests you’re facing this season, we have the skills, experience, and equipment needed to remove them.
