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Hello and welcome to the Prevention Pest Control Podcast, where we talk about pest issues that can affect the Northeast Ohio region throughout the year. I am Dave Novak, and on this episode we’re talking about fall cleanup, and why it is important to do in keeping pests out of your home.
As the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees in the Northeast, many homeowners start to think about fall cleanup. Now I am sure I am not alone when I say I don’t enjoy fall cleanup at all. While raking leaves and clearing gutters are important tasks, fall cleanup is also essential for preventing pests from entering your home.
Pests such as mice, rats, insects, and spiders seek out warm, sheltered places to spend the winter. Fall cleanup helps to eliminate these potential hiding spots and make your home less attractive to pests.
Here are some important tasks to include in your fall cleanup:
- Rake leaves and debris from your yard. This will prevent leaves and debris from clogging gutters and providing shelter for pests.
- Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof and foundation, which can create openings for pests to enter your home.
- Trim trees and shrubs. Overgrown trees and shrubs can provide cover for pests and make it easier for them to reach your home. I know I have to trim the bushes in front of my home to keep the rabbits from hiding behind them. Last year I lost many strands of xmas lights from rabbits chewing through them – so If I cut down the amount of places they can nest at, that one fall cleanup chore will save me a lot of aggravation this year.
- Seal cracks and holes in your foundation. These openings can provide pests with easy access to your home.
- Store firewood away from your home. Firewood can provide a nesting site for pests. If you are burning wood inside during the winter make sure you inspect each piece when you bring it inside the home. As a kid I can remember having yellow jackets flying around the living room in January because we had brought in wood that they were nesting in behind the bark.
- Inspect your home for pest activity. Look for signs of pests such as droppings, gnaw marks, and nest building materials.
- Check on your shed or outbuildings and make sure they are sealed tight for the winter. Place mouse snap traps or bait boxes inside – the last thing you want is to find out your riding lawn mower or expensive edger had wires chewed by a rodent over the winter. We used to have a picture posted on our web site of the inside of a lawn mower that had mice living under the hood near the air filter – full disclosure – that was my lawn mower so even a pest control owner has to do these types of tasks as well each fall.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent pests from entering your home:
- Keep your kitchen clean. Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly.
- Take out the trash regularly. Don’t let trash pile up in your home or yard.
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets. Water can attract pests.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows. This will help to seal out pests.
- As we talk about all the time in our videos – make sure the air conditioner line on the outside of your home is sealed off. The puddy they use becomes brittle over time and falls off the house making it a great opportunity for mice to enter the home. Check sump pump lines, dryer vents and other plumbing and wiring areas for openings as well.
By following these tips, you can help to keep pests out of your home and enjoy a pest-free winter.
Well, that wraps up this episode of the Prevention Pest Control Podcast. We hope you enjoyed it – You can reach us anytime at preventionpestcontrol.net, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – and by calling us directly at 234-571-1203. Please like, share and subscribe to our podcast – thanks for listening and remember – An ounce of Prevention is all it takes for a pest free home!
