It was Robert Baden-Powell who first coined the phrase ‘be prepared’ for the scouts, a motto that still stands today.
In fact, this isn’t just something that scouts should learn and live by, being prepared is a great motto for everyone to live by, it helps you to be ready for the worst, even if you’re hoping for the best.
In terms of pest control, being prepared means you know what pests you’re likely to be up against and can take the appropriate measures to prevent them from being an issue.
In short, being prepared is the ultimate in pest prevention.
Of course, the exact pests you’ll face will depend on your specific location, but here are the 5 most common fall pests:
- Mice & Rats
Rodents need somewhere warm if they’re going to survive the winter. They also need access to food and water, your home is likely to provide all of these things.
Rodents are a particular concern as they can multiply rapidly and they carry a variety of diseases, which you can pick up from contaminated food preparation surfaces.
Blocking up gaps around your home will help to prevent these pests from entering your home. You should also make sure that all food is stored away, dishes are washed, and the countertops are clean, this will make sure there is no food for rodents in your home.
Don’t forget that killing one mouse doesn’t mean you’ve eradicated the issue, they multiply quickly. It’s a good idea to get a pest control firm in to make sure the problem is eradicated.
- Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are always active but an increase in travel, combined with kids returning to school, increases the opportunity for these hitchhikers to spread from one home to another.
While they don’t usually carry disease, their bites are irritating and unsightly.
Bed bugs are some of the best hitchhikers in the world, you’ll need to inspect your suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house. It’s also a good idea to wash all your holiday clothes and dry them on high heat, this will kill any bed bug before it reaches your bed. Of course, if you are concerned about whether you have cleaned everything efficiently, make sure to contact Ohio exterminators or exterminators near you to come and check everything is bed bug-free!
- Stink Bugs
A stink bug won’t bite you or sting you, it doesn’t even carry disease. However, it will damage your home furnishings with its droppings and the stink can become unbearable.
The good news is that they generally hide in cars and bags to come into your home instead of walking in. That means you can prevent them from becoming an issue by checking your bags when you enter your home.
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches are incredibly tough, they could actually withstand a nuclear blast. Unfortunately, they also carry diseases on their bodies which they will leave behind when walking around your home.
In addition, they can cause, or set of, asthma in children.
Again you’ll need to visually inspect your home and seal all gaps. You should pay particular attention to pipes as this, and drains, are the cockroaches preferred living areas.
- Ants
Carpenter ants eat wood and can do as much damage as termites. Other types of ants can bite or leave a foul odor behind. They can also carry bacteria on their bodies and leave it for you.
You’ll need to check for cracks at foundation level and seal them up. In addition, you should remove sources of standing water and clean regularly.
For more tips, follow our category for House & Home.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.