Best Pest-Proofing Tips For Fall

 

Cleaning your home can help prevent fall pest infestations in Puerto Rico - Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating

Worried about the colder months ahead? Seasonal pest infestations spike this time of year as insects and rodents alike start to make their way indoors in preparation for colder weather. Once inside, these pests will gladly settle in and enjoy the endless sources of food, water, and shelter that your Puerto Rico home provides. The last thing you want to deal with in the months ahead are pests inside your property. This is why fall pest-proofing is so important to protect your home. Keep reading for Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating’s best tips for protecting your home from pests this fall and winter.

Top Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home This Fall

Some of the most common pests we deal with this time of year include cockroaches, rodents, and spiders, among others. The best way to keep them outside where they belong is to implement pest exclusion tactics. Our best pest-proofing tips for fall include:

  1. Ensure your basements, attics, and crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry. Pests and insects love moisture. Consider using a dehumidifier in moisture-filled areas.
  2. Store all firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep your yard clean and tidy. Trim back trees and shrubs that are too close to the home.
  3. Thoroughly inspect items before bringing them indoors. This includes boxes of your seasonal decorations, grocery bags, package deliveries, and more. The last thing you want is to carry pests inside.
  4. Consider replacing your weather-stripping. Also repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. These are easy ways to keep not only pests, but also cold air out of the house.
  5. Promptly pick up your pets’ food dishes after they’re done eating. Pet food left out on the floor, in the garage, or even outdoors is an easy target for insects and rodents alike.
  6. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests. Opening a window without a screen is a sure way to invite the pests right in.
  7. Make sure your drainage system is functioning properly. Install gutters or repair your existing system to help draw water away from the home. Quickly fix or replace any leaky pipes contributing to moisture issues inside.
  8. Install screens wherever there is an opening in your property: attic vents, chimney openings, mail slots, animal doors, and more.
  9. Seal any cracks or crevices using caulk and steel wool on the perimeter of your property. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter.
  10. Clean your home on a regular basis. Wipe down your kitchen counters, store food in sealed containers, and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. Crumbs and accessible garbage will draw pests of all types.

Seasonal Pest Control Services in Puerto Rico

At Rentokil, we know how distressing a pest problem can be any time of the year. Because they are more likely to come inside during the fall and winter, contact our home exterminators now to see how we can help safeguard your home.

Dangerous Fall Spiders in Puerto Rico

Brown recluse spiders are dangerous in Puerto Rico - Oliver Exterminating

Spiders are a common occurrence all year long here in Puerto Rico. However, spider populations are at their largest in the fall months, which is why you may be seeing more in your home right now! Spiders hatch in the springtime. By the time August and September rolls around, spiders are in full force. Thankfully, most house spiders are harmless. That said, there are two in particular that you need to be on the lookout for: the black widow and the brown recluse. Keep reading for expert info on dangerous fall spiders in Puerto Rico.

Brown Recluse Spiders & Black Widows

Although rare, both of these spiders can bite when they leave threatened. Their bites can be very dangerous. Here’s what to know about these two spiders to be on the lookout for:

  • Black widow spiders
    1. These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body.
    2. They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground.
    3. They can bite when they feel threatened.
  • Brown recluse spiders
    1. Brown recluse spiders have a darker brown violin shape on their brown bodies.
    2. They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter.
    3. A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.

Preventing Spiders in the Home

In order to keep these eight-legged creatures outside, there are several things you can do to make your property less attractive to them:

  1. Regularly maintain your lawn and yard. An unkempt yard with overgrown vegetation will invite all types of spiders to your property.
  2. Clean and tidy up your space. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
  3. Seal any cracks and crevices. Spiders and other pests can crawl inside through the smallest of holes.
  4. Install screens on your doors and windows. Otherwise, an open window will surely invite spiders (and other pests) inside.

What to Do About Fall Spiders

If you’ve done all you can to prevent spiders this fall and still notice them popping up in your property, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional exterminator. At Oliver Exterminating, our spider pest control pros can help protect you from spiders in Puerto Rico year-round. Contact us today to learn more.