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Tennessee is heading into what is arguably the most beautiful time of the year. The leaves are turning and the temperature is dropping. It won’t be too long and the first snowflakes will start falling from the sky. It seems that the entire world is getting ready for another winter. We don’t know why it makes everyone want to start buying all things pumpkin spice, but we do know that it is a tricky time of year to keep certain pests out of your home. Pests like rodents, yellow jackets, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs are all on the lookout for a cozy spot to wait out the cold weather.
Rodents pose a huge risk to your home. Mice and rats that get into your home are very destructive. They will tear apart whatever they can to build their nests in your walls and attics. They chew on insulation, walls, and even electrical wires causing a serious risk of fire. Rodents are attracted to your kitchen the most. These pests can chew through bread bags and cereal boxes as well as any packages you have stored in your cupboard to get at your food supplies. While they are gorging on your food they are leaving behind bacteria such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, hemorrhagic fever, and the plague. They are also leaving behind asthma-inducing feces and fleas.
Stinging insects can be a real problem in the fall. Hornets and other wasps get very aggressive when the weather starts to turn. Wasps have fulfilled their life’s purpose and are spending the last days of their lives looking for anything sweet. Their nests have grown far too large to maintain and it is likely that a new queen is now looking for a nesting spot of her very own. If that spot is under your eaves or siding, you could have some serious issues as hundreds of wasps take up residence there.
There are many other pests who would like to find a nice warm spot to overwinter. Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs are a couple of relatively harmless additions to the family, meaning they will not bring disease into your home or bite; but even these nuisance pests can be a problem. These insects have a tendency on warmer days to find their way to the living spaces of your home and leave a trail of yellowish stains all over windows, curtains, and other fabrics. Also, these bugs can leave an obnoxious odor you can’t identify lingering in your home.
Luckily, there are ways you can help prevent them from entering your home. First, do an inspection of all of your windows and doors. If there are any screens that are torn, repair or replace them. Make sure that your doors all have weather stripping around them. Check around the pipes leading in and make sure that any spaces around them are sealed with caulking. Then, check to be sure that any trash, boxes, or debris are away from the siding or entrances. Make sure that any bushes or trees are cut back away from the siding or roof. Finally, make sure that any hiding spots such as long grass or piles of leaves are well away from the home.
Of course, no matter how hard we try as homeowners, it is hard to keep pests out. That is where All-American Pest Control comes in. You want to protect your home and family, we know. Give us a call and let us inspect your home, eliminate any threat, and keep your home safe from pests all year long.