Fall pest control in Roanoke, VA, is all about early action and defense. Keeping pests out of your home is far easier than kicking them out once they are inside. Learn how the best offense is a good defense when it comes to pest control.
Invader Season is Here
It’s time to arm up and defend your home. Spiders, mice, roaches, stinkbugs, and moths are all clamoring to get inside to escape the winter chill. Stay on top of fall pest control in your Roanoke, VA home for the best results.
Fall triggers the hibernation instinct for pests. Cozying up under a nice pile of leaves is pretty good, but access to your heated home is even better. The fall rush of pests trying to get through the door is very real, so if you are seeing unwanted creepy crawlies, it is time to take action!
Batten Down the Hatches
Pests can slip through even tiny cracks in your home. Windows are a prime suspect for bug invasions. Check your window screens for holes, and if you find any, make sure to patch them with cheap, easy-to-use window screen repair patches that can be purchased at almost any hardware store. Cracks in the windowsill can be patched with caulk for a good seal.
Foundations are another spot that holds the door open for pests. Foundation repairs can be tricky; contact an expert if you aren’t sure how to patch them safely. Ensure that closed doors don’t have large gaps under them. If they do, consider adding a door sweep to eliminate the space and keep a good seal.
Waste Away
Like every other animal, bugs need food and water to survive in their environment. Keeping your home dry and food sources safe can heavily discourage their presence in your home.
You should store food in airtight containers, and kitchen counters and floors should be kept clean. If you have a crawlspace, consider adding a vapor barrier and a dehumidifier to keep the space from becoming infested. Basements can also usually benefit from airflow and dehumidifiers. If you can’t figure out how bugs are accessing water in your home, Allied offers a moisture inspection to hunt down their water source for you.
Line in the Sand
Sometimes patching up holes and cracks is not enough for pest prevention in autumn, especially in Southwest Virginia. An exterminator can spray the perimeter of your home to discourage pests from getting close enough to look for entrances.
They will make sure to spray the outsides of your windows and doors, as well as the foundation of your home. While there are perimeter sprays offered at most big hardware stores, these chemicals can be dangerous if improperly handled, and it is recommended to schedule a professional exterminator instead of attempting a DIY.
Bait and Trap
If the pests are already inside your home, it is time to go on the offense. Rodents are notoriously hard to get rid of once they have moved into your attic or walls. A professional can help you trap them efficiently and seal them out permanently once you have gotten rid of the existing population.
Roaches, bedbugs, and spiders all need a harsher touch. If these nasty bugs are squatting in your house, it’s time to fumigate. Home remedies can actually make these infestations worse, so if you suspect you have a problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional exterminator right away.
Home Remedies for Fall Pest Control in Roanoke, VA
Cricket and spider sticky traps can be quite effective if used properly. They emit a scent that lures in these pests and then captures them with sticky glue that they cannot escape. Make sure these are placed carefully so that your pets and children are not able to access them, as they can be painful to remove from skin and fur.
Keeping your home vacuumed and mopped goes a long way when it comes to pest control. Crickets especially feed on leaf debris, so make sure that you are not tracking in a tasty cricket snack every time you walk in your home. Leave your shoes at the door and keep the area well swept for best results.
Outdoor Measures
The inside of your home and the perimeter are not the only areas where you can take action to prevent pests. Keeping firewood stacked at least 6 inches off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your home will help prevent stinkbugs, spiders, and snakes from taking up residence near your home. Keeping leaves raked up off of your lawn will help to prevent ticks from overwintering in your yard.
<h2> Get a Jump on Pest Prevention this Autumn in Southwest Virginia
Allied Termite and Pest Control has your fall pest control needs covered in Roanoke, VA, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to defend your home from invader season or to get rid of a pre-existing pest issue inside your home. When we are through, your home will be yours again!