Winterizing Your Home Against Pests

By on Tuesday, October 18, 2016

State pest management association offers tips for preventing and treating Fall infestations

Fall is a time for cooler weather, colorful leaves and preparing for winter.  Recognizing that these cooler temperatures can lead to more indoor pests, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) today urged homeowners to take steps to prevent these pests from entering homes.

“Fall is a great time of year for enjoying outdoor activities like pumpkin carving and corn mazes, but it’s also a prime time for pests to travel indoors.  Like humans and other animals, pests begin to look for warmer places to spend winter months and may start popping up inside homes,” said Chase Hazelwood, board member of NCPMA. “We recommend taking a few easy steps to ensure these pests don’t become a problem.”

The NCPMA recommends the following steps to prevent pests from becoming unwanted houseguests.

  • Caulk and Seal—Make sure all areas around windows and doors are properly caulked and sealed and also look for any other cracks or places where pests can potentially enter a home.
  • Remove Visible Cobwebs and Nests—If you see cobwebs or nests around the home, make sure to remove them safely.  If needed, contact a professional for help!
  • Eliminate Standing Water and Damp Areas—Eliminate standing water in our around your house to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and make sure to eliminate any damp areas of soil around your foundation to discourage termites.
  • Yard Debris—Keep your yard clear of debris and leaves as these can be a great hiding place for insects. 
  • Inspect Foundations, Crawlspaces and Attics—Closely inspect foundations, crawlspaces and attics for any signs of insect or rodent infestations. These are easy places for pests to winter unnoticed!
  • Call a Professional—If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a professional pest management company in your area to discuss the best treatment or prevention options. A NCPMA member company in your local area can be found at http://www.ncpestmanagement.org/find-professional.