Make Sure Fall Pests Aren't Your Guests

Cooler temps are coming and so are the traditional Fall pests. Don’t let them think you have opened a nice, warm B & B just for them. They won’t insist on deluxe accommodations, they love the warmth & privacy of your walls and attic too.

Lady Bugs, while cute, may become a nuisance by flocking in large numbers to your home to avoid the cooler temps.

Carpenter Ant activity can be very damaging to your home over the winter as they begin to look for food inside rather than outside.

Mice are not only nasty guests, but constantly gnaw and will chew on electrical wires, insulation and the internal building structure.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent pests from enjoying your hospitality this winter. Some are the normal maintenance items and a few you may not have thought about.

• Inspect your home for pest entry points and fix any areas in need, such as gaps around windows & doors. Seals cracks & crevices with caulk and steel wool; even a ¼ inch crack will allow mice & other pests to enter. Remember to check areas where utilities and pipes enter your home.
• If you have a basement, replace weather stripping or any loose mortar around your foundation and windows.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground, if at all possible.
• Check your attic vent screens and chimney openings. Wildlife & bats love to enter your home that way.
• Keep gutters clean and clear of debris.
• Keep shrubbery and trees limbs trimmed, they create a bridge to your roof & attic.
• Fix leaking pipes and correct any drainage issues to eliminate excess moisture.
• Keep garbage in sealed receptacles and don’t leave pet food out, either inside or outside. Wildlife and rodents are attracted by the ‘easy food source buffet’.
• Don’t forget your outdoor grills and cooking areas. Rodents are attracted by any grease or residue left behind.
• If you believe you might have a pest infestation, contact us at Brasure’s Pest Control, your licensed pest professional to inspect, identify and treat the issue.

Published: September 16, 2016