Oct 7, 2022, 11:05 AM by Fred Speer

There is never an off-season for pests. It is a year-round job, but one that Clark, your friendly pest control, mosquito, termite, and grounds care expert, and homeowners across California can work on together.

Unless pests are introduced to a home in packages, luggage, or clothing, they originate on the outside, living in the yard or areas around your home. That is why your best defense against pests is to deny them access to your home in the first place.

Home sweet home for pests

When food sources become scarce, pests go into survival mode, and your home is often their top choice for a new place to live because it provides food, water, and shelter.

California’s intense summer heat and dry conditions have eliminated many of the natural food and shelter sources (e.g., vegetation) that pests count on. With cooler temperatures on the horizon, pests will be searching for a place to overwinter.

Mice are a good example of a pest that will seek access to homes in the fall. They are small creatures that, thanks to their flexible backbone, can squeeze in and under small spaces with ease. Mice and rats can fit into holes as small as one-quarter and one-half inch diameter, respectively.

Once inside, rodents, cockroaches, and other pests can spoil food, spread bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, or chew on electrical wiring, which increases the risk of a fire.

An ounce of prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping pests outside. It’s more cost efficient to invest the time and money to pest proof your home today than it is to pay more tomorrow and go through the hassle of removing pests once they get inside.

Pest proofing tips

How can you pest proof your home this fall? The residential pest management experts at Clark Pest Control have assembled the following list:

• Install tight-fitting screens on attic vents, chimney tops, washer and dryer ventilation openings, and other outdoor openings, like mail slots and animal doors. Remember that rodents are notorious gnawers, so check your screens to make sure that these pests haven’t chewed their way through.
• Seal doors and windows with sturdy weatherstripping to keep pests out. A tiny crack in a window frame’s weather sealing is more than enough space for a motivated rodent or insect to get inside.
• Keep attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Most pests need moisture to survive, so consider using a dehumidifier in these areas if needed.
• Repair loose mortar or openings around your home’s foundation with the proper materials to seal pest entryways.
• Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers, and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Inspect package deliveries and grocery bags for evidence of pests before bringing them indoors.
• Don’t leave pet food dishes out for long periods of time, because this can attract pests, including rodents, ants, and cockroaches.
• Watch for 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 invitation to enter.
• Use quality products, including caulk, steel wool, screening, heavy duty seals, and other suitable materials to seal openings and keep pests out.
  
  

Got questions about pest proofing your home? Call Clark

Call or text California’s trusted, friendly pest control expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to help pest proof your home.