There is so much to love about fall. Cooler mornings, cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything, and finally being able to open the windows without feeling like you’re standing inside an oven.
Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones who enjoy getting cozy when temperatures start to drop.
As the weather cools, mice, spiders, insects, and other unwanted guests begin looking for warmer places to settle in. And your home—with its warmth, water, food, and plenty of little hiding places—can look pretty inviting.
That makes fall a great time to think about pest prevention before a small problem turns into an expensive one.
Homeowners Are Getting Proactive About Fall Pests
A recent survey from Modern Pest Services asked more than 1,000 U.S. homeowners about their experiences with household pests. According to the survey, 55% of homeowners are taking a proactive approach to fall pest control.
That is encouraging, especially considering how costly pest problems can become.
The survey also found that 3 in 5 homeowners are only “somewhat confident” in their pest-prevention measures. Even more eye-opening, respondents reported an average of $650 in pest-related damage over the previous five years.
And then there is the finding that may have you thinking twice before reaching underneath the stove for that missing spoon: 32% of homeowners said they have found a rodent underneath one of their kitchen appliances.
No, thank you.
Why Fall Can Bring Pests Indoors
When temperatures outside begin dropping, pests start searching for food, water, warmth, and shelter.
Small openings around doors, windows, pipes, vents, foundations, and siding can provide easy entry points. Once inside, areas such as basements, attics, garages, pantries, cabinets, and spaces underneath appliances can give pests plenty of places to hide.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to make your home less inviting.
Start With a Fall Home Inspection
Before cooler weather settles in, walk around the outside of your home and look for possible entry points.
Check the weatherstripping around doors and windows, look for cracks or gaps around the foundation, and pay attention to areas where pipes, cables, or utility lines enter your home.
Remember that pests don’t need an open front door and a welcome mat to get inside. Some can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.
A little caulk, new weatherstripping, or another inexpensive repair now could potentially save you from a much larger problem later.
Don’t Forget What’s Happening Inside
The kitchen deserves special attention because food and water can attract pests.
Pull out appliances when it is safe to do so and clean underneath and behind them. Crumbs, grease, pet food, and spills can accumulate in places we don’t normally see.
Store pantry staples in sealed containers, wipe down counters regularly, and avoid leaving dirty dishes sitting overnight.
If you have pets, pay attention to their food bowls too. Leaving food out overnight can provide an easy meal for pests.
Take a Look at Your Fall Clutter
Fall is also a good time to tackle some of those cluttered areas we tend to ignore.
Cardboard boxes, piles of paper, bags, old clothing, and rarely used items can create hiding places for insects and rodents. Consider replacing cardboard storage boxes with plastic containers that have secure lids, especially in garages, attics, and basements.
And while you’re organizing, you might even discover a few things you can donate or sell. Pest prevention and decluttering at the same time? I’ll take that as a win.
Your Yard Matters Too
Interestingly, 59% of homeowners surveyed said they believe their neighbors are partially responsible for their pest issues.
While we can’t control what happens next door, we can pay attention to our own property.
Keep leaves and debris from piling up against your house, trim vegetation away from the foundation, and avoid stacking firewood directly against your home’s exterior. Check outdoor trash cans to make sure lids close securely, and remove standing water when possible.
Creating a little separation between potential pest habitats and your house can make your home less appealing to unwanted visitors.
Know When It’s Time to Call a Professional
DIY prevention can go a long way, but there are times when professional pest control makes sense.
If you’re repeatedly seeing rodents, droppings, damaged food packages, unusual insect activity, chewed wiring, nests, or other signs of an infestation, don’t ignore them.
A pest problem usually doesn’t become cheaper by waiting.
For those of us trying to maintain our homes on a budget, prevention is often one of the smartest investments we can make. Spending a little time checking your home this fall could help prevent hundreds of dollars in damage later.
So while you’re pulling out the fall décor, lighting your favorite candle, and getting your home ready for cozy season, add one more thing to your fall checklist: make sure the only guests getting comfortable in your house are the ones you’ve actually invited.
