Preparing Your Home for Fall Critters: 5 Essential Tips

By: Micah Hinze
rat exterminator near Katy

5 tips for preparing your home for fall!

As the weather cools and leaves start to fall, unwanted critters may seek shelter in your home. Rodents, squirrels, and other small animals often invade homes during autumn, seeking warmth, food, and shelter. Protect your home and family with these simple yet effective tips.

1. Secure Outside Food and Seed 

Store pet food, birdseed, and other edible materials in sealed plastic containers. This will prevent attracting critters to your yard and reduce the likelihood of them entering your home.

2. Remove Attractive Mulch

Discard open or half-used bags of mulch, as they provide an ideal shelter and food source for pests. Consider using mulch alternatives or sealing bags tightly.

3. Declutter Cardboard Boxes

Remove cardboard boxes from your garage, attic, and other storage areas. These boxes provide hiding spots and nesting materials for unwanted critters.

4. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home’s exterior and seal any holes or gaps around:

·     Vents

·     Chimneys

·     Pipes

·     Doors

·     Windows

Use steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam to block potential entry points.

Related article: How to Seal Common Entry Points

5. Maintain Cleanliness

Keep trash and recycling bins:

·     Closed

·     Locked

·     Stored away from your home

Regularly clean up pet waste, leaf piles, and debris to discourage critters from inhabiting your yard.

Pro Tips:

·     Trim tree branches and shrubs to reduce access to your roof and attic.

·     Install door sweeps or weatherstripping to seal gaps under doors.

·     Consider installing a chimney cap to prevent animal entry.

By following these simple steps, you’ll protect your home from unwanted fall critters and ensure a cozy, pest-free season!

What’s Next: Schedule a FREE inspection with Colburn’s Pest Control.

Schedule your home inspection here to prevent or eliminate infestations. A Professional will walk you through all your options, and help you curate the best solution to your problem.