Your Ultimate Fall Pest-Proofing Checklist for Montgomery County Homes
As we start to enjoy the crisp autumn air and changing leaves here in Crawfordsville, we're not the only ones looking for a cozy place to spend the colder months. Unfortunately, many common pests see your warm, comfortable home as the perfect winter getaway.
From mice and spiders to cockroaches, unwanted critters will take any opportunity to move in as temperatures drop. The good news? A little preventative maintenance now can save you a major headache later.
As your local pest control professionals, we want to help you protect your home and family. Here is our ultimate fall pest-proofing checklist to keep your house pest-free this season.
Your 6-Step Fall Pest-Proofing Checklist:
1. Seal Up Cracks and Openings Pests can squeeze through surprisingly tiny spaces. A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime! Take a walk around your home's exterior and interior to look for gaps.
What to do: Use caulk to seal cracks in the foundation, around siding, and where utility pipes enter the house. Pay close attention to gaps around windows and doorframes. Install weather stripping on doors to close any gaps at the bottom.
Why it matters: This is your first line of defense. Sealing entry points is the single most effective way to tell pests, "You're not welcome here."
2. Check and Repair All Screens Your window and door screens are great for letting in the fall breeze, but a tiny tear is like an open invitation for insects.
What to do: Carefully inspect every screen on your property. You can find simple screen repair kits at most local hardware stores for a quick fix.
Why it matters: Intact screens prevent flying insects and crawlers like spiders from wandering inside when you have your windows open.
3. Secure Your Home's Perimeter Pests often use landscaping near your house as a bridge to get inside. Creating a clean, clear buffer zone can make a huge difference.
What to do: Trim back tree branches and shrubs so they don't touch your roof or siding. Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from the house and elevated off the ground. Make sure your chimney is capped and that vents for dryers or attics are properly covered.
Why it matters: This removes the "ladders" pests use to access your home, making it a much harder target.
4. Manage Moisture and Debris Pests are attracted to water and decaying organic material. A damp, cluttered environment is a pest paradise.
What to do: Clean your gutters of leaves and debris to ensure water flows away from your foundation. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes, both indoors and out. Rake leaves and clear away any yard waste near the house.
Why it matters: Removing water sources and hiding spots makes your property far less attractive to pests like cockroaches and rodents.
5. Keep Kitchen and Storage Areas Tidy Once inside, pests will stay if they find a reliable food source.
What to do: Store food (including pet food) in airtight containers. Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately, and ensure your indoor and outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
Why it matters: A clean kitchen and pantry can help prevent a small pest problem from turning into a full-blown infestation.
6. Inspect Seasonal Items Before Bringing Them Inside Those boxes of fall decorations from the attic or shed can be Trojan horses for pests.
What to do: Before you bring in boxes of decor, firewood, or patio furniture for the winter, inspect them carefully outdoors for spiders, egg sacs, or other signs of pests.
Why it matters: This simple step prevents you from accidentally carrying pests directly into your living space.
When to Call a Professional
This checklist is a great start for any Crawfordsville homeowner. But if you're seeing signs of pests despite your best efforts, or if you want the peace of mind that comes with a professional inspection, don't hesitate to reach out.
