Your Fall Pest-Proofing Checklist

Abell Pest Control

As temperatures drop, pests don’t vanish; they change tactics. Some insects ramp up activity in autumn, while others look for cozy places to overwinter… like your home. No one wants to see a mouse dash across the living room, so a little prevention now goes a long way.

Rodents can chew wires and drywall, and they’re known to spread germs. Cockroaches contaminate food and trigger allergies, and spiders around the home can be unsettling. The goal is simple: make your place dry, sealed, and boring to pests.

10 smart fall pest-proofing moves

  1. Cover openings. Screen attic vents and chimney openings, and close up mail slots and pet doors when not in use.
  2. Keep it dry. Ventilate basements, attics, and crawlspaces. Use dehumidifiers where moisture lingers.
  3. Seal entry points. Caulk cracks and gaps, and use steel wool where pipes and cables enter. Mice can squeeze through holes about the size of a dime.
  4. Lock down the kitchen. Wipe counters, store food in airtight containers, and empty trash into sealed bins.
  5. Tighten weather seals. Replace worn weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around windows and the foundation.
  6. Clean the perimeter. Store firewood at least 20 feet or 6 metres from the house and keep shrubs trimmed back.
  7. Fix doors and screens. Add door sweeps and repair torn window screens, prime entry points for pests.
  8. Inspect before bringing items in. Check boxes of décor, deliveries, and grocery bags for hitchhikers.
  9. Manage pet food. Don’t leave bowls out long-term; clean up leftovers promptly.
  10. Move water away. Maintain gutters and downspouts so water drains away from the foundation.

If you’re still spotting pests or seeing signs like droppings, gnaw marks, or noise in the walls, bring in a licensed professional like Abell for a proper inspection and treatment plan.


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Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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