You may love welcoming guests into your home – but not if they have wings, pincers, or eight legs. Pests can sneak their way into your property without you knowing. While many think of pest problems during the warm summer months, as the temperature drops, these unwanted visitors go on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. Your garage, attic, or spare room may be the perfect environment for them to hunker down for winter. Not only are these critters a nuisance, but they also pose a health hazard to your family and pets, as well as potentially harming your property. Take a look at these useful tips on how to pest proof your home this fall.
DIY Tips to Keep the Critter Away
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- Get rid of exterior hiding spots
Start by eradicating pest problems outside of your home before they make their way inside. To keep mice and rats away, place any firewood at least 20 feet from your home. Elevate it at least 18 inches from the ground. Wood chips also provide shelter for pests, so use rocks or stones instead. Rake up leaves as frequently as possible, and trim tree branches at least eight to 10 feet from your roof to keep insects and rodents away.
- Don’t tempt pests outside of your home
You may not realize it, but you could be attracting pests towards your property. Place bird feeders away from your house as spilled seeds will attract all manner of rodents and critters. Tightly seal trash and recycling bags so that pests cannot get into the bags. If you compost food waste, ensure it is in a proper container outside with a tightly-fitting lid.
- Seal cracks and holes
Pests can squeeze into very tight spaces, which is why it’s a good idea to go around your home and seal up any cracks or holes that you can find. Plug crevices using caulk and steel wool, paying special attention to gaps around utility and plumbing entry points. Repair any loose mortar around the home’s foundation, and seal gaps between the foundation and siding.
- Inspect items before bringing them inside
Before you take plants, groceries, decorations, and package deliveries inside, it’s well worth ensuring they aren’t harboring unwanted guests. Never take wet or rotted firewood indoors and always inspect it for tunnels and other signs of infestation. Check or shake out any items that have been stored outside.
- Clean up food remnants
Get into the habit of cleaning up after each meal instead of leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Disinfect your kitchen counters and sink regularly, removing any crumbs or spills that may be lying around. Store food in airtight containers and throw out overripe fruit. When your pets have finished their meal, don’t leave their bowls out overnight. Clean them up so that there are no traces of food, which can attract unwanted visitors.
- Opt for natural repellants
While glue traps are a popular choice, they can cause huge suffering and harm to animals other than the intended victim. Instead, opt for natural deterrents. Spray windowsills and doorways to destroy the scent trails that ants follow. Eliminate fruit flies by placing glasses of apple cider vinegar around the house. There are many ways to naturally repel pests, and strong smells or flavors will often do the trick.
We hope that these tips help you keep pests and critters out of your property throughout fall and beyond. Another great way to protect your home is to ensure you have the necessary homeowners insurance in Wellesley, MA in place that can step in if the worst happens. When you’re ready to secure the right home protection, contact the team at CAV Insurance, serving Wellesley, Weston, and neighboring cities in Massachusetts.