Seal Up Entry Points Before the Cold Hits

As temperatures drop, pests like rodents and spiders begin searching for warm shelter—and your home offers exactly what they need. Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and spiders can creep in through cracks you may not even notice. While these gaps might seem minor, they can become major gateways for pest infestations during fall and winter.

To protect your home, sealing potential entry points is one of the most effective and affordable first lines of defense. Here’s how to get it done:

1. Conduct a Full Exterior Inspection

Walk around your home and look closely at common problem areas. Pay special attention to:

• Gaps or cracks in the foundation

• Spaces around utility pipes, dryer vents, and HVAC connections

• Missing or damaged weather stripping on doors and windows

• Unsealed areas along rooflines, soffits, and attic vents

2. Seal Small Openings with the Right Materials

Once problem areas are identified, use pest-resistant materials to block them:

• Caulk – Ideal for sealing cracks and gaps around windows, pipes, and siding

• Steel wool – Effective for stuffing into small rodent entry holes, especially around pipes and vents

• Expanding foam sealant – Great for larger gaps, but should be combined with steel wool to prevent chewing

3. Install Mesh or Screens Where Ventilation Is Needed

Not all openings should be fully sealed—some require airflow. In these cases:

• Cover attic vents, chimney openings, and crawl space vents with fine metal mesh (1/4" or smaller)

• Make sure all window screens are free of tears and fit tightly

• Use vent covers that allow air to pass through while keeping pests out

4. Inspect and Secure Garage Doors

Garage doors are a favorite entry point for rodents and spiders. Make sure:

• Weather seals along the bottom and sides are intact

• No gaps remain when the door is closed

• Storage items inside are off the floor and away from walls to reduce hiding places

Declutter Storage Spaces Before Pests Move In

As the weather cools, many homeowners bring in outdoor items, swap seasonal gear, or reorganize storage areas like garages, basements, and attics. Unfortunately, these dark, quiet spaces are exactly where rodents and spiders love to settle in for the season.

Without regular organization, clutter can quickly become a hiding spot—and even a nesting ground—for unwanted pests.

Here’s how to pest-proof your storage areas step by step:

1. Sort and Declutter

Before pests do their fall nesting, take time to inspect and reduce clutter in key storage zones:

• Remove unnecessary items: Donate or dispose of unused equipment, broken furniture, or old cardboard boxes.

• Check stored belongings: Look for droppings, spider webs, or chew marks—early signs that pests are already present.

• Vacuum and sweep thoroughly: Dust, food crumbs, and organic debris can attract pests looking for food and shelter.

2. Upgrade to Pest-Resistant Storage

Not all storage containers are created equal. Switch to materials that pests can’t chew or crawl into:

• Use sealed plastic bins with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes, which are easy for rodents to chew through and for spiders to hide inside.

• Label bins clearly so you can access contents without creating unnecessary disruption.

• Avoid storing items in bags or open containers, which provide easy shelter for insects and rodents.

3. Seal and Secure the Area

Once your storage space is organized, take steps to secure it:

• Seal cracks in walls or flooring that could allow pest entry.

• Ensure doors and windows close tightly and are weather-stripped properly.

• Install door sweeps on garage or basement doors to block gaps.

Manage Yard Debris and Vegetation to Keep Pests at Bay

As autumn rolls in, so does an abundance of falling leaves, overgrown greenery, and cluttered outdoor areas. While this may seem harmless, these conditions create the perfect environment for pests to thrive—just steps away from your home.

Rodents, spiders, and other critters are drawn to damp leaf piles and thick vegetation as safe, warm hiding spots. And if shrubs or branches touch your home, they can act as direct bridges to your siding, attic vents, or roof—giving pests easy access inside.

Here’s how to proactively manage your yard and reduce your pest risks this fall:

1. Clear Leaf Litter and Debris Regularly

Piles of wet leaves and organic debris are magnets for pests like rodents, spiders, earwigs, and even ticks.

• Rake your yard weekly to prevent the buildup of fallen leaves.

• Dispose of debris promptly by bagging or composting it—don’t let it sit too close to the home.

• Pay special attention to corners, under decks, and around sheds—these hidden areas often become pest hotbeds if neglected.

2. Trim Back Vegetation Near the House

Thick vegetation near your home can provide shelter and an easy path indoors for pests.

• Cut back tree branches that hang over or touch your roof—rodents use these as pathways to attics and vents.

• Trim bushes and shrubs so there is at least a 12–18 inch clearance between the foliage and your home’s siding.

• Increase sunlight exposure in shady areas to reduce moisture, which attracts insects and encourages mold growth.

3. Keep Firewood and Compost Properly Positioned

Firewood piles and compost bins are ideal nesting sites for pests like mice, rats, and ants.

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.

• Stack wood off the ground using a rack or platform to discourage pests from burrowing beneath.

• Maintain compost bins with secure lids and keep them well away from entry points to prevent attracting unwanted guests.

Now is the perfect time to reinforce your home’s defenses and get ahead of the seasonal pest wave. Wayne’s Pest Extermination offers professional, hassle-free service backed by years of experience and proven results.

Visit us today to schedule your fall pest inspection—and enjoy a warm, pest-free autumn!

Visit our website book your appointment.

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