Fall is a busy season for pests. As outdoor temperatures drop, your temperature-controlled home starts looking inviting to rodents. This is the time of year when mice, Norway rats, roof rats, and other rodents are more likely to chew holes in your door frames, weather stripping, and the sills of your home just above the foundation wall. Some of them climb onto your roof and gnaw on aluminum and plastic soffits, plastic vent covers, sewer exhaust gaskets, and other vulnerable spots. Let's take a look a 5 prevention tips that can help you protect your Nashville home from rodents and other fall pests.
Fall Prevention
When the leaves fall from your trees, it is a good idea to rake them up, especially the leaves that fall near your foundation wall. A leaf canopy can create moist conditions that allow pests to thrive. It also gives rodents hiding places as they explore your perimeter for a way in.
- When the leaves fall, they can also get into your gutters. A clean gutter system will allow water to channel down and away from your foundation perimeter so standing water doesn't form near your home and give rodents a drink. It will also prevent moist conditions that attract other pests.
- If you have stacked firewood or other scraps of wood near your foundation wall, it is a good idea to move them to a better location. Norway rats burrow underneath piles of debris and other rodents hide behind them. That decaying wood will lure in carpenter ants, termites, and other pests as well.
- Trimming bushes and trees in fall can help to reduce pest infestations. Bush and landscape trimming allows airflow and sunlight to keep your perimeter dry, and a dry perimeter is helpful for resisting many pests. Rodents prefer an overgrown perimeter, and keeping things neat will make them feel less welcome. Trimming tree branches makes it more difficult for rodents such as roof rats and other pests to access your roof.
- Do an inspection of your perimeter and make sure water is draining away from your home. A dry perimeter is a pest-resistant perimeter.
Fall is an important time of year for pest control and the perfect time of year to begin a pest control service like Perimeter Plus Pest Control from All-American. Perimeter Plus creates a barrier around your home that resists over 47 different pests.
Fall is also a great time for an annual termite inspection. Subterranean termites are active all year long. Our service team members have found active termites under a layer of snow! Don't let those insects eat you out of house and home.
For more information, or to start service, reach out us. We look forward to serving you.