The beauty of fall–aside from the leaves changing and the cool, comfortable air–is that you no longer have to worry about pesky pests, right? Well, if you live in the Portland, OR area, then the answer is “No!”. That’s because along with apple cider, pumpkins, and football, fall brings its own set of creepy critters for you to control.
Stinkbugs
Stinkbugs are fans of warm weather, so as temperatures go down, their attraction to your home goes up. Although they don’t bite or sting, they emit a strong odor when scared or squashed, making extermination tricky.
Take preventative measures by checking clothing and bags at the door–making sure one hasn’t latched itself on you or your belongings. You should also secure doors, windows, and screens early in the fall as an added precaution.
Ants
Whether it’s a common house ant or a catastrophic carpenter ant, the sight of just one is one too many. Their ability to contaminate foods, or even damage the entire structure of your house should be enough to make you prioritize prevention.
Start by storing all food in airtight containers, and consistently sweeping areas prone to crumbs. Seal the cracks in around your foundation, while eliminating overgrown branches and plants from the surface of your home. And don’t forget to store firewood and building materials separate from your humble abode.
Rodents
Mice and rats are fans of warm dwellings and are more resourceful than the average pest. They’re capable of building nests out of insulation, and fitting through small holes that offer any sanction from the cold winter months. And since they bring disease, ticks, mites, lice, and fleas along with them, they’re definitely not ideal houseguests.
Keep mice and rats out of the house by sealing food in airtight containers, and sealing and monitoring cracks in your foundation and siding. But keep their high reproduction rate in mind, and hire a rodent control professional the second you spot one of these unwanted pests.
Bed bugs
Summer travels might have you bringing home more souvenirs than you’d bargained for – since bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. Thanks to outdoor sporting events, beach trips, and back to school season, your sheets and clothing might have picked up these nasty pests.
Bed bug infestations leave evidence in the form of red, itchy welts on their victims, and can feel almost impossible to get rid of. Always check hotel rooms and sheets, and shake out any luggage before bringing it back in the home. But keep in mind how difficult it is to control these pests once they’re in, and call a professional the minute you suspect an infestation.
If you’re already battling these unwanted house guests, or simply looking for a stronger, more effective preventative solution, look no further than Interstate Pest Management. Our priority is making sure you’re comfortable in your own home, each and every month of the year.