Fall and winter are seasons we don’t normally associate with bugs and pests, but pest prevention (especially during the fall) is of the utmost importance! Even if there’s a smell in the air, you still need to take steps to keep bugs and pests away from your family. Keep reading for more information!
It’s no secret—food attracts pests!
One of the worst things you can do when it comes to pests is to leave food out. Fall in Alabama is a great time for backyard barbecues—the weather is nice and cool, and football season is in full swing! However, be sure to be mindful of the foods you leave out that may attract bugs.
If you are grilling out, make sure the burgers or hot dogs are in a covered, airtight container until needed. If you have some snacks or finger food available, same thing! Keep them covered until someone wants a handful. Don’t forget about your food waste, too. Make sure your trash is neatly bagged and your trash cans are closed and clean—or as clean as a trash can can be!
After Halloween is over, make sure there are no pieces of candy or candy wrappers lying around your yard. Trick-or-treaters could have dropped something sweet that is sure to attract bugs.
Yes, that includes pumpkins!
It’s easy to forget this time of year that pumpkins are food! While we use them for cute porch decorations and spooky jack-o-lanterns, all a pest can see is its next meal. But there are a few things you can do to make your pumpkins a little less tasty!
For starters, try not to leave your pumpkins out for too long. If you want to have pumpkins on your porch for the whole season, you just have to change them often! A rotting pumpkin is more likely to attract bugs. When carving your pumpkin, try to remove as much of the inside (or the guts) as possible!
And finally, spraying the inside of your pumpkin with a special mixture will help keep pests away. Simply pour one teaspoon of bleach into one liter of water. Spray your pumpkins daily for best results!
Other decor that can attract pests
It’s not just edibles that can attract bugs and pests! Some fall decor makes the perfect breeding ground or shelter for pests. As soon as the cool fall weather sets in, bugs and small rodents of all kinds will start looking for shelter for the winter. Large piles of leaves or straw and large hay bales are perfect for this! Use these things sparingly in your decor, and don’t put them too close to your home.
If you’re planning on having some bonfires this fall, make sure you stock up stacks of firewood away from your house too!
Do you have a pest problem?
There are many things you can do to help prevent pests from ruining your outdoor (and indoor!) fun, but often there are limits to DIY prevention. If you’re seeing more bugs than you’d like, it’s time to call the professionals at Vulcan Termite & Pest Control! Serving the Birmingham community since 1965, we look forward to serving you and your family! Get in touch with us today.