It is an unfortunate truth of Minnesota living; as temperatures drop, the critters and creatures that we so enjoy outdoors can begin to find their way indoors. Make sure your home is ready to ward off any unwanted guests with these fall home pest prevention tips!
Seal Entrances
Pests can make their way into your home through even the smallest nooks and crannies. Check the weatherstripping around your home’s windows and doors to make sure that it is clean and in good repair. Where necessary, install adhesive-backed weatherstripping and door sweeps on exterior doors.
Evaluate Your Home’s Exterior
Inspect your home exterior for any small cracks or crevices. Pay special attention to your home’s window frames and entrances. Use caulk or steel wool to fill any small gaps that you find. It’s also a good idea to inspect screens on windows and doors and repair them as needed.
Examine Dryer Vents & Chimneys
Check your dryer vent to make sure that the damper is in place and that the seal between the vent and wall is tight. If your home has a chimney, install a chimney cap to keep pests out and protect against debris, rain, and downdrafts.
Inspect & Repair Your Roof
The roof has many important jobs, including keeping pests out. If your roof has damage, whether it’s missing shingles or damaged flashing, pests can wiggle through. Check for missing or torn shingles and other damage at the end of the summer and make repairs accordingly.
Check Your Surroundings
Evaluate your yard and the area immediately surrounding your home. Consider whether it is overly inviting to pests. For example, extreme foliage or excessive lighting near home entrances can serve as a welcome mat to insects.
To help remedy this problem, rake moist soil and mulch away from the window frames and foundation, keep shrubbery well-trimmed, and store firewood at least twenty feet from your home. Replacing standard exterior lighting with sodium vapor lighting can also deter insects from clustering at night.
Inside Your Home
Inside, eliminate inviting temptations by storing pet food or other bulk dry goods in sealed containers. Store boxes or other moisture-absorbing materials up off of the floor to keep them mold, mildew, and pest-free.
There you have it; 6 easy tips to keep your home pest-free this fall!
