Fall Pest Prevention for Albany, Saratoga & Beyond
Here in the northeast, fall is a popular month for house guests, and not just visiting relatives, but the creepy crawly kind. As the temperatures drop outside, insects, spiders and other pests make their way into our homes to hibernate. For a list of insects that invade upstate New York homes each fall, check out our Guide to Fall Pests, then follows these tips for keeping unwanted house guests out.
Seal Cracks & Gaps
Inspect the exterior of your home for common pest entry points. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps between the trim and siding, and openings in the walls, especially around utility pipes, vents and chimneys. Use silicone or acrylic latex caulk to seal cracks and openings, and expanding foam for soffit gaps. Copper scouring pads can also be stuffed into gaps with a screwdriver. Install door sweeps, even in the garage, and seal doors, windows and basement sashes with adhesive weather stripping.
Repair or Replace Screens
Examine your window and door screens for rips and holes. Purchase a screen repair kit at your local hardware store, or replace badly damaged screens completely. For those insects that are small enough to enter through the screen’s mesh, your best defense is simply to keep doors and windows closed.
Deprive Bugs of Moisture
Use a dehumidifier in your basement to maintain a 40 percent humidity level and regularly sweep down cobwebs and brush off window sills. Keep mulch and soil away from your foundation and periodically turn your mulch to reduce dampness. Trim back shrubs and trees, and keep woodpiles out of reach.
Turn Off the Lights
If you don’t want to eliminate exterior lighting completely, consider replacing your outside lights with sodium vapor lighting, or yellow, bug resistant lights. Keep your curtains and shades closed at night, too, since light escaping from windows can also lure flying insects.
Hire Professional Exterminators
There are many ways to “pest proof” your home, but sometimes the problem requires professional help. Our professional exterminators offer pest control and wildlife control services in Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls, and the surrounding region. Contact OPC Pest Control to discuss your particular pest problem or schedule a consultation.