Fall Pests Begin to Seek Shelter in New England

Cooler weather leads outdoor pests and animals to look for a winter residence where they can stay warm. While that’s understandable, the last thing you want is those pests using your home as their winter retreat! New England temperatures are dropping rapidly and before you know it, pests may end up in your home. Follow these steps to make it difficult or impossible for pests to find a way into your home. 

Closing Off Vents and Openings 

Any vents you have on the exterior of your home could act as an easy access point for pests. Cover the opening with a mesh protective screen that pests won’t be able to get through. This includes fireplace vents, dryer vents, and any other exterior opening vent on your home. 

Inspect the Exterior for Cracks and Holes 

Walk around the exterior of your home and inspect both the shingles and siding. If you see any cracks, holes, or bent areas, that could be an access point for unwanted pests. Siding and roof cracks or holes need to be repaired ASAP. If you find cracks on the foundation, doors, or windows, seal them up until you can contact a professional for better repairs. 

Check Your Window Screens 

Even a small hole in your window screens can be enough of an entrance for pests to enter your home. There’s nothing better than a fresh breeze on a crisp fall day but be sure to look for holes or tears in your screens before opening the window. Window screens are easy to replace and generally pretty affordable. 

Food Safety 

It’s no secret that food attracts pests. This time of year, it’s especially important to focus on food safety and not attracting pests with food in your home. Start by taking out the trash regularly and placing it in a sealed container outside. Inside the home, make sure no food is being stored on the floor within easy reach. If you see signs of pests getting into your food, you will need to completely empty your pantry and sanitize it to deter future pests. 

If you continue to have pest problems even after following these recommendations, it may be time to contact a professional pest team like ours at Baystate Wildlife. Contact us today to get started.