How To Stop Pests From Moving In During “Fall Crawl”
When the weather starts to cool down in fall, pests start looking for a warm, sheltered place to spend the season. Unfortunately for us, our homes offer everything they need: food, water, and heat. The “fall crawl” is when bugs, rodents, and other pests push indoors to ride out the colder months. Keeping them out is easier than getting them out, but it does take some preparation. Here’s how to protect your home before pests settle in.
Seal Entry Points
Pests slip inside through even the smallest cracks. Check around doors, windows, and your home’s foundation. Seal gaps with caulk, add door sweeps, and replace torn screens, whatever it takes to fill those gaps. Don’t forget attic vents and chimney caps too! By closing off these access points, you take away the simplest route into your home and immediately discourage anything looking for shelter.
Tidy Up Outdoors
Leaves, woodpiles, and clutter around your yard invite tons of pests. Rodents nest in brush piles, while termites and ants are drawn to damp wood. Store firewood off the ground and as far away from the house as you can get it. Always keep your gutters clear and trim shrubs so they don’t brush against siding. A tidy yard means fewer hiding spots right next to your home.
Indoor Food Sources
If pests find food inside, they’ll stay. Or, at least, be much harder to kick out. Keep counters clean, sweep floors often, and store dry goods in sealed containers. Don’t leave pet food out overnight if you can help it. Even a small spill under the stove can attract ants and roaches, so you have to stay vigilant. Bugs won’t want to stay if they can’t find anything easy to eat.
Control Moisture
Many pests love damp, dark areas, so be sure to fix leaks under sinks and around appliances. Run a dehumidifier in basements or crawlspaces if needed, and check that downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Controlling moisture inside and outside your home keeps out everything from silverfish to rodents.
Check Seasonal Storage
As you pull out bins of fall decorations or start to store summer items, pests might already be hiding inside. Inspect boxes and bags for signs of nesting, like holes that have been chewed through or droppings left behind. Use sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard when you can, as cardboard attracts insects and is generally easier to get inside of. A quick check before bringing storage indoors helps avoid an accidental infestation.
Potted Plants
Pests often hitch a ride inside on potted plants you might be bringing indoors during the off-season. Inspect your plants before you bring them in, give their leaves a good clean, and make sure to dig through the top layer of soil to make sure nothing’s hiding there. Not only will this keep bugs out of your home, it’ll keep your plants in better health too!
Stay Consistent
The fall crawl is a yearly event, so keeping pests out isn’t something you do once and forget. Make seasonal checks part of your home routine, just like raking leaves or cleaning gutters. When prevention becomes habit, you’ll spend less time worrying about any potential pests and more time enjoying the crisp, cool weather.
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Pests may seem endlessly determined to come inside when the weather turns, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to make it easy for them. There are a lot of little acts that go a long way in not bringing unwanted guests into your home. By staying proactive each fall, you can enjoy the season without sharing your space with pests.
Daniel Mitchell
