Many homeowners in Charlotte, North Carolina, look forward to the shorter days and cooler temperatures of fall. However, those cooler temperatures also encourage insects and small rodents to seek out warmer accommodations. Don’t make it easy for them to invade your home.

Tip #1: Seal Cracks and Crevices

Replace any worn-out weatherstripping and add new caulk around doors and windows. Pay special attention to the cellar and garage doors. Use caulk and steel wool or expanding foam insulation to plug up small cracks and crevices where electrical wires or pipes enter your home.

Tip #2: Properly Store Clothing

You might find an unwelcome surprise waiting for you in clothes that have been left in piles on the floor. Stink bugs are on the move in the fall and will hide out in your personal belongings. Store seasonal items in plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes. The cleaner you keep your personal space, the harder it becomes for pests to hide.

Tip #3: Check for Insects and Spiders after Gardening or Moving Firewood

Firewood provides an excellent hiding place for insects and rodents so it should be stored at a safe distance (20 feet away) from your house.

Wear gloves when gardening or handling firewood and inspect each piece for insects and spiders before bringing it into your house. Check your clothing for insects after working outdoors in your garden or yard.

Tip #4: Clean Up Garbage and Keep Cans Closed

Animals can smell food from miles away. Keep food garbage contained in plastic bags to control odors that attract critters such as raccoons, squirrels, and mice. Keep lids tightly closed on all outdoor garbage cans.

Tip #5: Minimize Moisture

Unwanted pests are attracted to damp, moist areas in and around your home. Eliminate the source of the moisture before it becomes a much bigger problem involving mold, bug infestations, and the additional inconvenience of freezing temperatures.

• Remove containers that collect standing water in your yard.

• Repair leaky pipes, faucets, or appliances.

• Check for leaks in your ceiling and keep your gutters clean.

Use a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces where mold or an infestation might occur.

Tip #6: Declutter, Clean Counters and Keep Pet Food Stored Properly

Wipe up spills and crumbs on counters as soon as they happen. Keep all food items stored in airtight containers, including pet food.

Don’t leave pet food out in feeding dishes for prolonged periods of time. Pet food makes an enticing meal for small rodents and insects such as ants and cockroaches.

Tip #7: Screen Open Access Areas In Your Home

Screen openings to chimneys, attic vents, dryer vents, and any other opening that birds or small rodents can squeeze through to start building nests. Repair damaged window screens and install door sweeps to prevent common household pests from entering your home as they seek out a warmer environment.

Final Thoughts

Following these seven tips can help you prevent a problem with unwanted household pests later in the year. However, if something still manages to squeeze through an opening that you missed, don’t hesitate to call a licensed pest control professional who services the Charlotte, NC area to assess the situation and recommend the best treatment option.