Fall Decorating – American Pest Northern Virginia

It’s that time of year again when the leaves are falling right along with the temperatures! Although many of us hate to see summer come to an end, there is no doubt that the beauty and vibrancy of fall cannot be matched. It is clearly evident by now that the hazy, hot, carefree days of summer have become a memory and have now been replaced by the excitement of color and cool refreshing frost. Autumn is unmatched in elegance with the availability of beautiful hues of red, orange, yellow, and brown in our decor coupled with the availability of a fresh harvest not only to eat but to use in our decorating. What a wonderful, magical time of year!

Isn’t it a blast to drive around the neighborhood looking at all the colorful displays that adorn the porches and yards? The excitement of a good harvest is all around and the hues remind us that Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner. Don’t you just love the look that can be created using a few corn stalks, hay bales, pumpkins, and gourds? Throw in a few baskets, scarecrows, and mums and you have an amazing fall display to beautifully adorn your entryway.

When we look at all this fun, exciting beauty, though, we sometimes forget that these very things that we have used to create a comfortable, welcoming ambiance can also welcome pests in and around our homes. Pumpkins and gourds, for example, if left for more than a week will begin to rot which is the exact delicacy that rodents look for in a fall midnight snack. Once rodents like mice and rats are lured into your yard by these delectable treats, they feel welcomed and begin to search for a way to stay for the winter. This usually winds up including your home as their accommodation.

Another example to consider is those hay bales and corn stalks. These are both obvious hiding places for insects and spiders, and they can also provide a warm cozy nest for rodents. So what exactly are we to do? Well, as the old adage says, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!”

These decorations are perfectly fine – and elegantly inviting – when used in the right context. Be sure that you do not leave your decorations up past the point of rot. Once you notice that pumpkin beginning to droop, replace it with a fresh one. Be sure to inspect those cornstalks and hay bales from time to time and replace those that have become a haven for pests. Also, be sure that you inspect and caulk any gaps or holes in your foundation, around doors and windows, and especially near electrical service and pipe entrances. These steps will surely help to deter pests during this fall season, but remember pests are resourceful little creatures. If they can find a way in, they will.

The simplest and most effective way to prevent a pest disaster this fall season is to consider one of American Pest's preferred care plans. These comprehensive, Eco-Friendly plans are designed to get rid of pests while protecting your home, family and pets; our plans use the latest technology and approved products and procedures for effective pest control while fitting into your budget. Don’t let pests become the star of your own personal decoration horror show this fall; call American Pest Northern Virginia today to set up your personalized pest control plan.