Fall will be arriving at the end of the month, bringing an end to our short summer. Soon our landscapes will explode in color as our trees change for the season. But our trees aren’t the only things going through a change; pests will also be on the move. These pests will be searching for a place to overwinter, and if your home is not properly sealed, you could be sharing your house with them. So before the season changes, check that your home is protected from invading fall pests.
Trim Trees and Shrubs Away From Your House
You might have already pruned your trees in the spring, but after a season of growing, some of your trees and shrubs might need another trim. As a rule of thumb, you want to keep your plants from touching the side of your house. Trees and shrubs can act like little bridges for pests and insects to find their way into your attic or crawl spaces. So take the time to quickly check and make sure nothing is making it easier for pests to get into your house.
Make Sure Doors Are Sealed
Older doors tend not to seal properly when closed. If you can see sunlight through the sides or under your door, you are practically inviting pests into your home. Make sure all cracks are sealed with caulk or weather stripping. Use a door sweep to seal the bottom of the door, the most common entry point.
Repair Your Screens
Bugs don’t need that big of an opening to squeeze through a screen. In the fall, pests like stink bugs, boxelder bugs , and Asian lady beetles gather outside of windows to soak up the sun and look for a place to overwinter. The tiniest rip on your screen could be enough for the swarms of fall pests to invade.
Keep Debris Away From Your Home
In the wild, pests will overwinter in stumps, under rocks, in piles of leaves, and other organic matter. That’s why it is so important to rake your leaves and dispose of them quickly before they become home to mice and
other pests
. This is especially true for those living in the woods with lots of leaves to pick up. Make sure piles of leaves stay at least twenty feet away from your home to discourage pests from trying to get inside.
Store Firewood Away From The House
Firewood is a common overwintering spot for many creatures. Unfortunately, this is the time of the year when we start bringing that firewood inside to use in our homes. Storing firewood in your home, even for a few hours, could be enough time for those overwintering insects to warm up and emerge. Only bring in firewood if you intend to put it directly on the fire. The last thing you want while you’re cozying up to the fire is a stream of termites coming out of your firewood.
Professional Help From Visionary Landscaping and Fertilization
At Visionary Landscaping and Fertilization , we offer outdoor pest control programs to protect your and your family from mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
Get your yard ready for next spring with our aeration and overseeding programs.
To learn more about these services, contact us by phone at 586-281-5148 or by leaving us a message here . Check out our blog for more lawn care tips and tricks.
