Autumn has always been active in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, with farms coming alive with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and Halloween decorations lighting up the cool, crisp nights. As you prepare for all the fun the season entails, pests are also on the move, looking for warmth and hiding spots for the cooler weather. There are a few things you can do in anticipation of cooler weather, so you can enjoy fall activities without unwanted visitors invading your home.
Halloween Preparations & Pest Prevention
Halloween decorations and yard displays are of course a fall staple, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your decorations aren’t drawing more pests to your home:
Pumpkin Management
Carved pumpkins can attract ants, flies, and even rodents. Place them away from doors, or throw them away quickly if they start to rot.
Yard Decorations
Hay bales, corn stalks, and other outdoor decorations can give spiders and insects a new home. If possible, keep these items off the ground, and check them regularly for unwanted visitors.
Lighting
Outdoor lights attract flying insects. To reduce pest activity near doorways and walkways, consider using yellow “bug” lights instead of traditional white or blue lights.
Fall Home Prep: Pests Moving Indoors
Cooler nights mean spiders, stink bugs, and rodents looking for a new home for the fall and winter. Here are a few tips that can help keep your home protected:
- Seal Entry Points: Check doors, windows, and foundation cracks. Weather stripping and caulk are simple but effective barriers.
- Get Rid of Clutter: Spiders and rodents love undisturbed areas like basements and attics. Keep spaces organized and inspect seasonal storage items before bringing them indoors to ensure no unwanted guests are hitching a ride into your home.
- Manage Moisture: Damp areas attract insects and rodents and can potentially cause other home issues. Check gutters, downspouts, and basement corners to keep moisture under control.
Seasonal Yard Maintenance
Your yard can be a first line of defense:
- Rake Leaves Regularly: Piles of leaves are perfect hiding spots for spiders, ticks, rodents, and other pests.
- Trim Shrubs and Trees: Overgrown branches and hedges, especially near your home, can act as a bridge for pests to reach your home and potentially attract more pests to the walkways surrounding it.
- Store Firewood Properly: Keep it off the ground and away from the house to prevent rodents from nesting.
Professional Pest Control: Enjoy a Worry-Free Fall
Even if you take all these precautions, pests can be resilient. A professional pest inspection and treatment ensures that your home stays safe and comfortable throughout the fall season. Call Potter Pest today to schedule your fall service. Trusted, local, and family-owned — we’ve got your back so you can enjoy all the autumn fun bite-free and pest-free.