Which Pests To Watch For In The Fall In Houston

The temperatures in Houston stay warm enough all year long to allow some pests to be active year-round. But we do get a little bit of a reprieve in December, January, and February when night temperatures sometimes dip below 50 degrees. These cold snaps cause insects to become dormant or drive them to seek the warm temperatures inside our Houston homes. When insects come in, other pests that are more tolerant to cold temperatures can follow, such as spiders and rodents. For this reason, infestations of spiders and rodents often rise at the end of fall and the beginning of winter. It is important to take the time now to bolster your defenses.

We offer many fall prevention tips in this little blog of ours. But, if this is your first time visiting, here are the five most important tips the experts here at Modern Pest Control suggest:

• Inspect vulnerable areas and use a caulking gun or wire mesh to seal entry points. Examine around pipes, wire conduit, and objects that pass through your exterior walls. Look for gaps or cracks around door and window frames. Replace damaged weatherstripping and door sweeps. Make sure all your screens are in good working condition.

• Remove leaf litter, sticks, and organic debris. These create a harborage for pests and are strong attractants.

• Make sure your gutters are clear of obstructions and undamaged. It is vital that rainwater is channeled down and away from your home. This works to reduce pest activity near your home in several ways. It prevents puddles that provide a drink for pests. It reduces moisture that some pests require for survival. It prevents mosquitoes from finding a place to breed. It resists mold and algae which are food for some pests. And it resists the decay of wood which is enticing to termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying pests.

• Trim tree branches away from your roofline to prevent pests from using those branches as a bridge to get to your vulnerable roof area. You would be amazed at how many pests can use those overhanging branches to get onto your home.

• Remove yard clutter. Rodents use clutter as hiding places or homes, and when rodents come into your yard, they can bring fleas, ticks, and other parasites with them. They also bring parasites into your home.

These 5 tips will go a long way toward protecting your Houston home from pest invasions. As always, we want you to know that the pest control team here at Modern Pest Control is available to help you get the best results and the greatest level of pest protection. It is easy to get started. All you need to do is request a free inspection and we'll do the rest. Modern also specializes in lawn insect control.