Fall is the Time to Pest-Proof your Yard

It is always best to prevent pests rather than wait until they become a problem and the effort required to get rid of them become significant.  You should especially take these preventative measures during the fall.  In a couple of weeks, different types of pests will be stopping by your place to see if there is a warm place for them to stay.

Make sure your yard does not look inviting to these pests.  If there is a lot of clutter in your yard, then it will make a great home for cockroaches and many other types of insects.  Plenty of homeowners use mulch during the fall, but this can also provide a nice shelter for these invading pests.

You also need to pay attention to your garbage can if you have one outside.  Do not use the plastic variety because they can easily be chewed through.  It is best for you to use sturdy metal garbage cans instead.  No matter what type of garbage can you use it needs to have a tight-fitting lid.

Pests love to find shelter in places humans do not visit very often.  This means any outdoor sheds as well as your garage are vulnerable.  A garage with a lot of junk inside like tools and boxes will have many places for rodents and other places for unwanted intruders to stay.

During the fall, fruit starts falling from the trees.  You should not leave these pieces of fruit lying on the ground because they will invite pests over for a free meal.  While they are there, they may decide to check out the interior of your home for permanent shelter.

If you have a garden you will likely experience many problems with pests.  Rabbits, squirrels, and other creatures will appreciate the steady supply of food.  You can keep many of them out of your garden by erecting a fence around it.  Squirrels are another story since they are great climbers. 

You will also need to make sure trees do not get out of control.  If there are any branches overhanging your roof you need to trim them back.  Pests can walk along these branches and enter your home through the roof.

For safety purposes, you probably have a light located close to your exterior door.  This light will attract pests to the opening though.  A better solution would be to erect a light pole which is located farther from the door.

There is a lot of work to be done in the fall to prepare for the winter.  Make time to clean up your yard so it does not appear inviting to pests.