Although Florida doesn’t typically experience extreme cold in the fall, the temperature change still draws critters out of hiding, making fall pest control a necessity. Damp weather also plays a significant role, and neglecting essential pest control tasks can open your home to pests such as mosquitoes, roaches, and termites, which thrive in areas with high moisture levels. Mice and ants are also more likely to sneak indoors in search of food and shelter.
Then an infestation happens.
You’re in bed and feel something bite your ankle. You pull back the covers, only to find a spider lurking beneath the sheets. At the same time, a scurrying overhead signals a mouse or rat in the attic.
If this scenario is something you want to avoid, then investing in fall pest control is an absolute must.
The question is, what pest control tasks can’t you overlook this fall? Here’s what you need to know about pest control in Tampa.
What Are the Safety Tips for Pest Control?
There are home pest protection tasks you can tackle yourself, but the safety of your children and pets is the top priority. This means you should always:
- Keep all chemicals, sprays, and traps stored somewhere secure and out of reach
- Never apply any pest control treatment where children or animals play
- Focus on prevention instead of chemical management
By keeping your home and yard inhospitable to pests, you can help reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
How to Avoid Bugs in Florida
For fall pest prevention in Florida, prevention is key. You can take steps yourself, but working with a professional pest control company adds an extra layer of protection.
When you hire a licensed expert, they’re trained to spot early signs of an infestation before it develops into something more extensive and costly, resulting in significant home damage. They also tailor treatment plans to your home and pest-related needs. Should they find an infestation, regular inspections from the pros can quickly remediate any issues, saving you money.
Here are some pest-proofing tips you can do at home:
1. Trim Hedges and Trees
Overgrown plants provide pests with a hiding place. It also helps them come indoors with ease. Trim any plants that are close to:
- Siding
- Windows
- The roofline
2. Seal Windows and Doors
The easiest way to do this is with caulk, applying it to any gaps. Also, check all weatherstripping. A tiny gap can invite unwanted pests.
3. Repair Screens
Do your screens have holes or tears? If so, repair or replace them. A quick patch can keep flies, spiders, and mosquitoes out.
4. Reduce Clutter
If your home has stacks of old boxes, cardboard, or paper, remove them. Rodents can use this to nest. The same goes for the outdoors; remove yard debris, as it encourages these pests to nest.
5. Store Items in Plastic Containers
Cardboard absorbs moisture. This means it is more likely to attract pests. Instead, use sealed plastic totes to store items.
6. Clear Gutters and Drains
When standing water accumulates in your gutters and drains, it can attract mosquitoes. Instead, clean gutters to keep water flowing freely as part of Tampa pest control.
7. Keep Food Sealed
Pantries and kitchens are prime targets for pests. Instead, store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent infestation.
8. Schedule a Pest Inspection
When you hire a professional for seasonal pest management, they can identify and seal problematic areas before an infestation occurs. They can also spot early signs of an infestation and help you take preventive measures.
Use Natural Barriers Like Diatomaceous Earth
If you want an eco-friendly way of keeping pests at bay, sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in the following areas:
- Cracks
- Baseboards
- Around entry points
This product dehydrates insects, including ants and roaches. But it doesn’t use any harsh chemicals.
This makes it safer for kids and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should pest control be done in Florida?
Preventative pest control is better than waiting until there’s damage or an infestation. This is especially true in Florida, as the Sunshine State’s climate is welcoming to pests of all sizes. Although we can remove infestations from your home, it often signals the need for preventative pest control.
This is why you need a well-balanced pest control plan throughout the year, not just when temperatures drop. By investing in routine inspections and taking prompt, appropriate action when you notice pests, you can save money in the long run and prevent a minor problem from escalating into a full-scale infestation.
Is pest control still necessary as the weather cools?
Many homeowners assume that when it gets cool out, there’s no need for pest control. Doesn’t the cold weather eliminate any critters?
In reality, pests such as rodents move to warmer locations when the weather gets colder. Besides rodents, you may also find ants, cockroaches, and termites in your home.
If the thought of spending winter with these pests is more than a little off-putting, you’re not alone. They can put you, your family, and your pets at risk through diseases they carry. They can also cause dangerous and expensive damage to your home.
Fortunately, you can prevent these issues with routine pest control.
What pests are most common in Florida during the fall?
In Florida, the most common pests are the ones you don’t want indoors. This includes (but isn’t limited to):
- Bed bugs
- Ants
- Rodents
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
Rats and mice also scurry inside, seeking warmth and food. Meanwhile, termites look for new shelter come fall, making your home into their new hideaway — and causing damage in the process.
Focus On These Fall Pest Control Strategies
Fall pest control is essential for keeping your home free from unwanted visitors, not just in the fall, but throughout the year. However, when temperatures drop in Tampa, it’s common to see an increase in pests, which is why it’s essential to be proactive in protecting your home. Whether it’s damage from termites or rodents, it’s typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance, which means incurring unwanted expenses that can quickly add up.
At Chet’s Termite and Pest Management, we handle everything from termites to mosquitoes while offering natural, full-service solutions. Don’t wait for pests to move in; call us today for the best pest control in Tampa.
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