South Florida’s warm fall weather means pest activity does not simply disappear when summer ends. It’s a year-round problem. However, as the weather gets a little cooler, you may want to consider taking some of these steps to pest-proof the interior and exterior of your home. Below is a checklist for preventing pests this fall.

Inspect and Seal the Home’s Exterior

Pests have to come in from somewhere, so it’s best to start with an inspection of the outside of your home. Take these steps for your exterior inspection: 

• Check the foundation, stucco, siding and utility entry points for cracks or gaps.
• Seal small openings with an appropriate exterior-grade material.
• Replace worn weatherstripping and add door sweeps where daylight is visible.
• Repair torn window, door, attic and crawl-space screens.
• Confirm vents and weep holes are protected without blocking airflow or drainage.

Tidy Landscaping and Outdoor Storage

Next, you’ll want to go further out and check on your landscaping and outdoor storage, both of which may be attracting pests. The following tasks can make your yard less pest-friendly:

• Trim trees, palms, shrubs and vines so they do not touch the roof or exterior walls.
• Rake leaves, and remove fallen fruit and yard debris promptly.
• Keep mulch and dense ground cover from pressing directly against the foundation.
• Store firewood, lumber and cardboard off the ground and away from the house.
• Check outdoor furniture, grills, sheds and play equipment for nests or pest activity.

Remove Moisture and Standing Water

Once you’ve completed the exterior inspection, check the inside and outside of your home for standing water—a favorite of mosquitoes outdoors and silverfish indoors. Take the following steps:

• Empty water from planters, buckets, birdbaths and other containers.
• Clean gutters, and make sure downspouts direct water away from the home.
• Repair leaking faucets, irrigation lines, pipes and air-conditioning drainage issues.
• Inspect under sinks, around appliances and near water heaters for dampness.
• Improve ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms, attics, garages and crawl spaces.

Pest-Proof the Kitchen and Pantry

Once pests find their way into your home, they’ll often start looking for food and water. These are some steps you can take to pest-proof the kitchen: 

• Transfer dry goods and pet food into tightly sealed containers.
• Wipe counters, sweep floors, and clean crumbs and grease beneath appliances.
• Rotate pantry items and discard expired, damaged, or infested packages.
• Take out trash regularly and clean recycling containers.
• Avoid leaving pet bowls or uncovered food out overnight.

Declutter Indoor Hiding Places

Pests like to go about their business in peace, so they are typically experts at hiding. In a cluttered home, they have an even easier time. These decluttering steps can prevent some pest surprises this fall: 

• Reduce cardboard, paper bags and clutter in areas like garages and closets that don’t get a lot of attention.
• Use lidded plastic bins for seasonal decorations and keepsakes.
• Vacuum baseboards, corners, closets and spaces behind furniture.
• Inspect deliveries, grocery bags, luggage and secondhand items before bringing them inside.

Get Preventative Pest Control Services

If you can afford the upfront cost and want to prevent most emergency pest control treatments, preventative pest control services can give you peace of mind. Pest control service plans often cover a variety of common crawling pests, treating the exterior and interior of your home as needed. Most companies that offer them also offer discounts on emergency services if they’re needed. 

When you live in South Florida, pests are a year-round problem. The experts at Command Pest Control in Fort Lauderdale are here to help, offering preventative services and treatments for a variety of pests. Give us a call at (954) 943-0008 or contact us online.