The Importance Of Fall Clean-Up

Every year, it’s the same ol’ thing: pests emerge in spring, pests build their populations all summer long and, in fall, the cold starts to drive those pests into our homes. That is why it is so important to take part in fall clean-up. Keeping your yard nice in fall isn’t just about looks. When you keep things cleaned up, you’re reducing the number of pests that will be near your exterior walls and foundation when the cold starts to make them look for a place to hide. Here are some of the ways fall clean-up will affect bugs and rodents.

Leaves, leaves, and more leaves. No matter where leaves fall, they can become an attractant for bugs.

  • When they land on the ground, they set up the conditions for moisture to build up. And lots of critters love moisture. This will have bugs hiding and breeding in your yard. It may also provide a staging area for invading bugs. So, keep those leaves raked up.
  • When they land in your gutter, they can create a clog that will have water running down the side of your home. This can lead to wood rot and wood rot is attractive to many of the pests that get into our homes. But, it will also create puddles that bugs and rodents will drink from.
  • When leaves are in a pile, rodents will take advantage of these. Rodents are skittish creatures that look for locations to hide in. When you rake up those leaves, finish the job by bagging the leaves up, or raking them to the curb.

Lawn clutter in all of its many forms is a playground for bugs and rodents.

  • Firewood piles, construction materials, and organic debris are the number one target for pests. All of these should be well away from your foundation walls.
  • Kids toys provide cover for many creatures but are also locations that bugs will use as a breeding ground.
  • General clutter is cover for rodents and attractive to many bugs. When you pick things up, you’re making your yard less interesting and reducing the number of invading pests in your yard.

Overgrowth makes a yard feel like home to bugs and rodents. Keep your grass trimmed to reduce pest populations in your yard.

The best way to reduce fall pests is to reduce pests all year long with ongoing pest control from a professional like Active Pest Control. For pest reduction and exclusion through every season, reach out to Active Pest Control. We keep homes pest-free* all year long.

Keep Fall Fun And Pest-Free

There’s a lot to love about fall: colorful leaves, pumpkin lattes, and college football, just to name a few. However, it’s also the time of year when pests are looking for an escape from the cooler temperatures. So, how do you keep them from choosing your home as the destination for their fall getaway? Our “fall pest checklist” can help you keep the pests outside so you and your family can enjoy the season.

Fall Pest Checklist:

  • Seal cracks and holes – From big holes in screens to small gaps around windows and doors, now is the time to eliminate entryways for pests of all shapes and sizes. We also recommend trimming back tree limbs that function as a bridge to your home for squirrels.
  • Eliminate clutter – Whether it’s inside a shed, in your garage, attic, or basement, pests love turning your storage areas and clutter into their shelter. The fall is a great time to have a garage sale and unload some of your unwanted items or donate them to charity for a nice tax deduction.
  • Yard work – That big pile of leaves or firewood also makes a cozy home for pests. Keep leaves raked and firewood stored away from your house. It’s better to do it now before winter while the temperatures are still bearable.

Thanks for checking out our blog. If you need more help in keeping pests at bay this fall, please let us know. Your friends at Active Pest Control are only a call or click away!