The New York Homeowner’s Guide to a Pest-Free Fall
As the crisp autumn air arrives in New York, many of us are eager to embrace the season with cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and the beauty of changing leaves. Unfortunately, fall also brings an increase in pest activity, as rodents, insects, and other unwanted guests seek shelter in your home to escape the cooling temperatures. Whether it’s a family of mice setting up camp in your attic or a wave of crickets chirping in your basement, the fall season can be a busy time for pest infestations.
But don’t worry! With a few proactive steps, you can knock out pests this fall.
1. Seal Your Home
Fall pests like house mice and spiders, to name a couple, are masters at sneaking into New York homes through the smallest openings. To keep them out, start by inspecting your home for any gaps, cracks, or holes that might serve as entry points. Focus on areas around windows, doors, pipes, and vents. Common pests like mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, so even minor openings need to be sealed.
Use caulk or weather stripping to seal up cracks and gaps, and install door sweeps on exterior doors to eliminate gaps underneath. Don’t forget to check your roof and attic, as squirrels and raccoons may also try to find shelter and warmth seasonally in these areas.
2. Clear Out the Clutter
Pests love clutter—it provides them with plenty of hiding spots and, in some cases, food sources. To reduce the likelihood of an infestation, clear out the clutter both inside and outside your home.
Inside, focus on organizing storage areas like attics, basements, and garages. Store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which pests can easily chew through. Outside, keep your yard clean by raking up leaves, trimming overgrown bushes, and removing piles of firewood or debris that could serve as hiding places for rodents and insects.
3. Eliminate Moisture
Moisture is a major attraction for pests, especially during the cooler months. Fall pests like cockroaches, crickets, and spiders are drawn to damp areas where they can find water and humidity.
Check for leaks in your plumbing, especially in areas like basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks. Ensure gutters are cleaned and properly directing water away from your home to prevent pooling around the foundation. A dehumidifier can also help keep your home’s humidity levels in check, especially in areas like the basement.
4. Protect Your Food
As pests look for warmth in your home, they’ll also be on the hunt for food. To keep your kitchen off the pest radar, practice good food storage habits. Store all food in airtight containers, including pet food, and regularly clean up crumbs and spills. Don’t leave food out overnight, and ensure your trash is securely sealed with a tight-fitting lid.
Rodents, cockroaches, and ants are particularly good at sniffing out food, so keeping your kitchen clean and food properly stored can go a long way in preventing infestations.
5. Pest-Proof Your Outdoor Spaces
Don’t forget that your outdoor spaces are also prime targets for pests during the fall season. Pests like mice and squirrels will often use your yard as a staging area before finding their way into your home.
Trim back trees and shrubs that are close to your house, as they can provide a bridge for pests to reach your roof or walls. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground. If you have fruit trees, be sure to pick up any fallen fruit that could attract rodents or insects.
6. Know the Common Fall Pests
In New York, homeowners are likely to encounter a few specific pests during the fall months. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common fall pests and how to deal with them:
- Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for sneaking into homes during the fall. They’re looking for warmth and food, and once they’re in, they can cause damage and spread disease. Look for droppings, gnawed materials, and scratching sounds, especially in attics and walls.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches love warm, damp places, and your home can provide the perfect environment. Common species in New York include German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches. Keep your home clean, seal cracks, and eliminate moisture to keep these pests at bay.
- Crickets: As the weather cools, crickets move indoors to escape the chill. House crickets and field crickets are known to invade basements and garages. Their chirping may seem harmless, but crickets can damage fabrics, paper, and plants.
- Spiders: While most spiders are harmless, they can become a nuisance when they start to gather in your home. They’re often drawn indoors during the fall in search of insects to prey on. Regular cleaning and decluttering can help reduce spider activity.
7. Call in the New York Pest Control Pros—Knockout Pest Control
When it comes to fall pest control, prevention is key, but sometimes even the best efforts aren’t enough to keep pests out. If you’re dealing with an infestation or just want peace of mind, it’s time to call in the professionals.
At Knockout Pest Control, we understand how important it is to protect your home and family from pests. Our team is trained to handle the most stubborn fall pests, from rodents and cockroaches to crickets and spiders. We offer customized pest control solutions designed to knock out your pest problems and keep your home pest-free all season long.
Contact us today to schedule a pest inspection or treatment, and let us help you knock out fall pests before they become a problem!
