The leaves are changing, the air is becoming crisper, and the pests are on the move! Fall is migration season for a lot of critters – trying to find warmth and shelter for the approaching winter months. Mice, spiders and cockroaches are the big 3 we’re going to cover.

Mice: 

 Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it has allowed a house mouse to thrive. Mice will readily explore your home using wall voids, utility pipes and wires, and heating and cooling ductwork to move around in search of its next meal. As they explore these nooks and crannies, they wreak havoc as they go… Destroying insulation, chewing through wires (which is a big cause of electrical fires), and just generally making a mess.

Spiders:

The creepy crawlies in the night… there are more phobias about spiders than any other pest and it’s understandably so. Bites from certain types of spiders (a black widow or brown recluse) will result in a hospital stay! Yes, they try to find a warm and cozy place to live during the winter as well. We will give tips below on how to keep the spiders out of your home!

Cockroaches:

Cockroaches aren’t your everyday nuisance, they are HARD to get rid of and bring a host of bacteria and germs and worsen asthma. Roaches enter homes in search of food, water and shelter, especially during cooler months. Once they have infested an area, they can multiply very quickly!

Basic Tips for Fall Pests: 

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
• Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery well-trimmed.
• If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, call Chilton’s for a FREE pest inspection!