It's no question that pests are a year-round issue, but did you know that various factors can significantly increase our likelihood of running into certain pest populations?

After sifting through weather patterns, long-term forecasts, and pest biological behaviors, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its bi-annual Bug Barometer, a forecast designed to show Americans what they can expect from pest populations in their respective regions across the U.S. this fall and winter.

This past summer, much of the country was met with bouts of heat waves, humidity, and thunderstorms. With chilly and damp conditions just around the corner, NPMA's entomology team is expecting a pest-ridden fall and winter season ahead, with increased sightings of rodents, cockroaches, stink bugs, and other pests.

 "It's important for Americans to know that the change of seasons can bring a lot more than a craving for pumpkin-flavored treats," said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. "Unseasonable weather patterns can brew the perfect storm for pests to thrive, and unfortunately, this may result in them infiltrating your home in search of warmth, food, and shelter."

Pest prevention is the answer

As temperatures cool in the fall, pests may seek shelter in easy-to-access areas like garages, sheds, and homes to overwinter. Cooler temperatures may also lead to increased rodent pressure throughout the fall and winter months.

That is why your best defense against pests is denying them access to your home in the first place.

Why is your home a destination for pests? When temperatures drop and food sources become scarce, pests go into survival mode. Your home is often their top choice for a winter retreat, as it provides warmth and easy access to food and water. Once inside, rodents, cockroaches and other pests can spoil food, spread bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, or chew on electrical wiring, which can increase the risk of a fire.

Clark, your friendly pest, mosquito, termite, and rodent control expert, encourages you to follow these easy-to-do pest-proofing tips to keep unwanted pests on the outside looking in.

• Screen attic vents, openings to chimneys, and any other areas that are open to the outdoors, like mail slots and animal doors.
• Keep attics and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry. Consider using a dehumidifier in these areas if needed.
• Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers, and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Replace weatherstripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows.
• Inspect boxes of decorations, package deliveries, and grocery bags for pest damage before bringing them indoors.
• Avoid leaving pet food dishes out for long periods of time, as they can attract pests, including rodents, ants, and cockroaches.

We remind you to keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear around the exterior of your home, including the roof. Pests will take any opening in a wall, door, window, or roof opening as an opportunity to enter.

Use quality products including caulk, steel wool, screening, heavy duty seals, and other suitable materials to seal openings and keep pests out. 

Remember: An ounce of prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping pests out. It’s cheaper to invest time and money to be proactive with exclusion methods than it is to remove pests once they get inside.

Clark Pest Control has decades of experience protecting homes from a wide array of pests. Call or text California’s trusted pest control expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com if you have any questions or concerns about pests in and around your home.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.