Dealing with fall wildlife pests doesn't have to be a pain. Learn more about preventing pests before they can be a problem!
Fall pest infestations are an issue all Georgia homeowners have a chance of facing, but it is a very preventable issue. We wanted to highlight some of the pests that will be actively trying to gain access to your house this fall in preparation for winter, so that you know who to look for and what to do if you find them!
Common Fall Wildlife Pests
What is the #1 priority of any pest during this time of the year? Figure out how to stay warm. The solution to that problem usually involves sequestering in a structure that stays warmâ¦a.k.a, your house. As temperatures start to cool down in Georgia, you may start to notice scratching noises, discover chewed holes in your house's siding or roof, and spot more creepy crawlies scattering around your house.
Rodents like mice, rats, and even squirrels are determined to find warm and protected places to burrow, and your attic's insulation or cardboard boxes of clothes will do just fine. Attics also provide plenty of things for rodents to gnaw on throughout the fall and winter, like wires and cables providing power to your house and HVAC unit.
Insects like stink bugs, box elder bugs, and lady beetles need a place to overwinter until spring comes, which is why you may all of a sudden find yourself with swarms of these insects as the interior of your house becomes noticeably warmer than temperatures outdoors. Insects that are overwintering will be tricked into thinking it's spring when your house's heat warms up to spring-like temperatures, signaling the insects to "wake up" and start looking for food.
Preventing Wildlife Damage in Fall
Fall pest management tips are not much different from pest management tips throughout the rest of the year: seal off entry points and don't provide a food source. Imagine your house has a giant neon arrow above it, drawing the interest of every fall pest searching for shelter. If you'd rather not be a critter motel this fall and winter, put in the effort now to seal up your house and deter any pest pressure.
Screens are a very easy way for insects and animals to gain access to your house. During the hotter months, you may have taken advantage of window or door screens, which means they may have sustained some damage. Go around to each door and window of your house and inspect the screens. Repair any small tears or completely replace screens with sizable rips or bends that prevent the screen from laying flat against the window frame.
Your house's roofline is an easy target for rodents, who will chew through just about anything to get in. Gaps or holes along the roofline need to be covered with hardware cloth that will be effective against determined pests. BREDA technicians use â " hardware cloth when sealing gable vents, which helps keep everyone out of your attic.
Outside your house, keep your yard clear of leaves and tree debris so insects don't have a shelter and food source. If you use firewood, keep it stacked away from your house and cover it with a tarp to protect it against pests. Keep an eye on doors and windows to see if any gaps or cracks develop as the temperatures change, and replace any damage you find as soon as possible. Pests are quick to take advantage of any weakness in your house's defense, so being proactive in your prevention is key!
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
