10 Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home for Fall

When the weather cools down and the leaves start to fall, pests begin looking for the same thing we do, warmth and shelter. Unfortunately, that means your cozy home could become the perfect hideout for insects, rodents, and spiders trying to escape the cold.

Before fall pests settle in, take a few proactive steps to protect your home and yard with fall pest control. Here are ten expert tips from the pest pros at Aspen to help you keep unwanted guests out this season.

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Your Home

Sealing cracks around windows and brickwork with weather-resistant caulk helps block entry points for mice, ants, and other fall pests.

Mice and insects can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and insects only need a crack the width of a credit card. Use caulk or weather-resistant sealant to close gaps around doors, windows, and along the foundation. Pay close attention to areas where siding meets brick or stone.

2. Check Attic Vents and Chimney Screens

Attics, chimneys, and roof vents are prime entry points for wasps, squirrels, and bats. Make sure vent covers are secure and in good condition. Installing a chimney cap can also prevent pests (and debris) from entering your home’s flue.

3. Inspect Utility Openings

Pests often sneak in your home through the same access points used by your home’s utilities — like water lines, electrical wiring, and cable entry holes. Seal these areas with steel wool or copper mesh before covering with caulk or foam to block rodents and insects effectively.

4. Add Door Sweeps and Repair Screens

A simple door sweep under each exterior door keeps crawling insects and rodents from slipping inside. Replace any torn window or door screens and make sure sliding glass doors close tightly.

5. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters trap moisture — which attracts pests like mosquitoes, ants, and termites. Put on your gloves, remove leaves, and ensure water drains away from your home’s foundation. Keeping things dry is one of the best defenses against fall pests.

6. Remove Outdoor Harborage

Firewood neatly stacked away from the home’s foundation helps reduce pest harborage and keeps rodents and insects from nesting near your house.

Rake leaves, trim shrubs, and keep mulch and firewood away from your home’s walls. Piles of debris provide perfect nesting sites for rodents and insects. We recommend storing firewood at least 20 feet from your foundation.

7. Keep Basements, Attics, and Crawlspaces Dry

Moisture attracts pests, especially termites and spiders. Use a dehumidifier if necessary, and make sure these spaces are well-ventilated. Aspen’s Home Armor program includes routine inspection and treatments to help prevent pest infestations in hidden areas like these.

8. Replace Weatherstripping Regularly

New weatherstripping does more than block cold drafts, it also prevents small insects and spiders from crawling in under door jambs and window sashes. Inspect doors and windows every fall and replace any cracked or worn materials.

9. Inspect Fall Decorations Before Bringing Them Inside

Whether it’s pumpkins, corn stalks, or boxes of stored fall décor, always check items for hidden pests like spiders or beetles before bringing them indoors. Outdoor decorations can easily harbor insects looking for warmth.

10. Keep Food Sources Sealed

Pet food, crumbs, and open pantry items can lure pests into your kitchen. Store food in airtight containers, clean counters regularly, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Even a small spill can attract ants or rodents.

Schedule Your Fall Pest Control Service Today

Don’t wait for pests to make themselves at home this fall. Aspen Lawn & Pest Control’s Outdoor Pest Protection and Home Pest Protection programs help provide year-round protection from the most common fall invaders, including spiders, ants, crickets, and rodents. With a professional inspection and perimeter treatment, we’ll help keep your home pest-free and protected before winter arrives.

Contact Aspen today to schedule your fall pest control free estimate and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in expert hands.