Pest-Proof Your House Before Fall Rolls In

As cooler temperatures creep in, so do unwanted visitors—of the six-legged (or more) variety. Autumn marks the beginning of pest season, when bugs, rodents, and other critters start looking for warm, dry places to spend the winter. And unfortunately, your cozy home might be high on their list.

But with a few simple steps, you can shut the door on pests before they move in.

According to the National Pest Management Association, preparing your home now can prevent infestations later. The key is to make your house less inviting and harder to enter. Start with the basics:

Seal up your home’s exterior.
Inspect the outside of your house carefully. Look for cracks and gaps around the foundation, pipes, and vents. Rodents, for example, can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Use silicone caulk and steel wool to block small entry points, and repair any loose mortar around bricks and windows. Even tiny holes can become a welcome mat for insects.

Protect major access points.
Install screens over attic vents, chimney openings, and mail slots, and replace or repair torn window screens. Every exterior door should have a tight-fitting door sweep to keep out creepy crawlers. Weather stripping around windows and doors should be in good condition, with no gaps.

Control moisture.
Many pests—including cockroaches, silverfish, and termites—are drawn to moisture. Keep attics, basements, and crawl spaces dry by using dehumidifiers if necessary. Check that your gutters are working properly, directing water away from your house. Pooling water around your foundation creates an open invitation for insects and rodents.

Tidy up your yard.
Clear away leaf piles, brush, and garden waste, which offer shelter for pests. Trim shrubs and tree limbs that touch your house, as they can act as bridges for pests to crawl inside. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house, and keep it off the ground if possible.

Be cautious with what you bring inside.
As the seasons change, you might bring in outdoor decorations, potted plants, or garden tools for storage. Check these items carefully for hitchhiking insects or nests before carrying them indoors. A quick rinse or wipe-down can go a long way.

While no house is 100% pest-proof, these proactive steps can dramatically reduce your risk. It’s easier (and cheaper) to prevent pests than it is to get rid of them after they’ve settled in.

So before fall arrives in full force, take a weekend to batten down the hatches—because mice, spiders, and stink bugs aren’t the kind of houseguests you want this winter.