7 Must-Know Pest Control Tips to Keep Your Home Fall-Ready
Georgia families welcome guests into their homes throughout the fall season for holiday celebrations and gatherings. However, unwelcome guests can also find their way into homes. Cooler temperatures drive pests to seek warmth and shelter indoors, making proactive pest control measures essential. PestNation provides Georgia residents with comprehensive pest control services, ensuring your home remains a safe and pest-free haven throughout the fall season.
Common Fall Pests
Ants
Ants, particularly Asian needle and Argentinian ants may invade homes to seek warmth, food, and shelter. Asian needle ants desire moisture and can often be found under bark, logs, and stones. Unfortunately, this ant species is venomous and capable of biting. Argentinian ants also prefer damp environments, notably mulch and leaf piles.
Kudzu Bugs
Kudzu bugs, known for their distinctive brown, shield-like appearance, become more prevalent as they seek shelter from the cooling temperatures. During fall, these pests congregate on warm surfaces, including the sunny sides of homes, and can become a nuisance when they find their way indoors. If smashed, kudzu bugs emit a wretched smell.
Rodents
With cooler temperatures outside, mice and rats seek a warm place to nest. They can squeeze through tiny openings and are often attracted to food sources and sheltered spaces in homes.
Spiders
Spiders become more noticeable in the fall as they search for food and a place to lay their eggs. They tend to build webs in corners, basements, and other secluded areas.
7 Essential Pest Control Tips
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, foundations, windows, and doors. Seal these entry points with caulk or weather stripping to prevent pests from entering.
2. Maintain Your Yard
Raking leaves, trimming shrubs, and removing standing water will keep your yard tidy. These actions reduce the number of potential hiding spots and breeding grounds for pests.
3. Clean up Food Sources
Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills and crumbs. Ensure that garbage bins are tightly sealed, and take out the trash regularly to avoid attracting pests.
4. Inspect and Repair
Check for leaks or standing water in your home, as these can attract pests like ants and rodents. Repair any leaks and ensure that gutters and downspouts are properly functioning.
5. Remove Clutter
Reduce clutter in and around your home to minimize potential nesting sites for pests. Store items in sealed bins and keep storage areas organized.
6. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Consider scheduling a pest inspection with a professional, such as PestNation. They can identify potential problem areas, provide treatments if necessary, and offer personalized advice to keep your home pest-free.
7. Use Pest-Repelling Plants
Certain plants, like mint, lavender, and marigolds, are natural repellents for some pests. Planting these around your home can help keep insects away.
By taking these proactive steps, you can create a less inviting environment for pests and enjoy a peaceful, pest-free fall season. If you encounter a pest problem or need assistance with rodent control, don’t hesitate to call PestNation of Buford, Georgia. Our experts can help you keep your home safe and comfortable all year round. Contact us at (678) 765-2226 to request a quote. We proudly serve Alpharetta, Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and surrounding communities.
Sam Wasson, “The Top Fall Pests in Every State,” Today’s Homeowner (blog), May 5, 2024, https://todayshomeowner.com/pest-control/guides/top-fall-pests-in-every-state/.