This fall a lot of folks will invite friends and family over to their home to watch some football, enjoy an outdoor barbecue, or just relax and fellowship with one another. Sadly, fall also brings some houseguests that were not invited, are not welcome, and do not know when to leave!
As temperatures start to cool down this fall, various insects and rodents will begin looking for a warm spot to spend the winter. Right now is a good time to plan to prevent this problem before it starts.
Step number one with almost any insect infestation is to eliminate their food source. When you’re like me and have small children who like to sneak candy and hide it in their room that is easier said than done, but it really is a critical part of insect management.
One helpful trick is when you trade out your summer wardrobe and begin to unpack your winter clothing, use the opportunity to replace cardboard boxes with sealable plastic tubs. Insects such as cockroaches and spiders love to inhabit cardboard boxes so getting rid of their habitat will help prevent them from sticking around.
Take a few minutes to inspect the entire home perimeter and look for potential points of entry. Seal cracks around doors and windows and replace door sweeps if necessary. Remember, it takes a very tiny space for insects, and even rodents to enter your home so take the time to seal around any pipe or wire entry points as well.
A few other tips for preventing insect invasions include repairing leaks to eliminate moisture, avoid storing firewood inside the home, keep pet food sealed in containers, and clean spills immediately. If you bring plants indoors for the winter, be sure and inspect them for insects. Speaking of plants, pruning them away from the home will prevent insects from using them as a bridge to gain access.
Sticky traps are a great way to monitor for insects and they will also aid in controlling them. If you decide to apply a pesticide, be sure it is approved for home use and be sure and follow the label directions. Failure to do so may not only decrease its effectiveness, but creates an unsafe environment, especially for children and pets.
Having unwanted guests in the form of insects or rodents can be a major problem this time of year. Taking the time to pest proof your home will hopefully help you prevent them from taking over. If you need help with identification or with pesticide recommendations, give us a call at the University of Tennessee Extension office at 615-735-2900.
[wdca_ad id=”11404″ ]
