Maryland's Fall Pests

As you towel off by the pool or head out for a trip to the ocean, the last thing you're probably thinking about is fall pests; but now is the time when you should be thinking about them most. If you want to keep fall pests from invading your home; now is the time to fortify your defenses; now is the time to make sure you don't have any holes or gaps for these creatures to exploit. It may not be cold yet, but you can be sure that when it does start to get cold, the bugs and wildlife living around your home are going to look for a place to hide.

Here in Maryland, we have a lot of critters that turn into household pests when the temperatures begin to drop. Some of them, like rodents and cockroaches, can bring illness into your home. Some, like the brown marmorated stink bug, box elder bugs, and ladybird beetles will start to become unwanted wall ornaments. And some will not make themselves known until springtime, like yellow jackets and bees. There are many pests that squeeze their way into Maryland homes, and no two pests are the same, but there are some things you can do to resist most of them.

Resist Fall Pests

• Your first line of defense against invading fall pests is good screens. Now is the time to replace or fix any screens that have holes in them.

• It is also important to install screening over attic vents or over chimney openings. Many overwintering pests can use these to gain access to your wall voids and attic spaces.

• This is the best time to start making your home less attractive to overwintering bugs and animals. Consider getting air tight containers for your outside trash, keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back away from your exterior walls, and keep your lawn cut. The less your yard feels like nature, the less inviting it will be to the creatures that live around your property.

• Many bugs are attracted to moisture. Check all your gutters and make sure they are not broken or obstructed. Look for leaky or weeping pipes and get them fixed.

• Inspect all door sweeps and weather stripping to be sure they make a good seal.

• If you find any gaps, cracks, or holes in your exterior walls, use a caulking gun or steel wool to seal them up until you can get those areas fixed properly.

• Replace broken mortar around basement windows.

Keep Fall Pests Out

There is really only one way to fully seal fall pests out of your Maryland home. It requires year-round pest control from a certified pest specialist who knows the protocols and products that will stop even the smallest critters from getting in.

When you're ready to be done with household pests for good, let us know. We'll help you find the right service plan to fit your needs.