You know what? I really love fall. It is my favorite time of year. Maybe that’s because when I was growing up, we were done irrigating, we were done putting up hay, but we weren’t feeding it yet! Not only that, fall is hunting season!
There is one thing that I definitely do NOT like about fall though, and that’s that every creepy crawly creature in the whole outdoors is trying to get inside the house. Mice, bugs, you name it, they are all looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Sometimes for insects like boxelder bugs and others, we don’t see them until spring, But fall is when they all come in.
Unfortunately there’s really no big secret to keeping them out. You have to “pest-proof” your home. That means if you haven’t already done it, it’s time to make your annual inspection.
Here are some things you might want to check:
- Make sure all cracks around the outside of your house are sealed so mice, rats, snakes and insects can’t squeeze in. Our “Rodent Proof Construction” Nebguide says that mice can get through a quarter-inch hole. Of course spiders and insects can get through even smaller openings. Fill the openings with something like cement, mortar or caulk. Steel wool can be used as a temporary fix. But stuffing cracks with cloth won’t help because mice will just chew through, they might even just use it for bedding.
- Check all of your doors, windows and screens. Make sure they are in good repair and fit tightly. Caulking windows and doors will not only keep pests out, but it will also help lower fuel bills.
- Check around your dryer vent and other openings to make sure they aren’t being used as a handy way to get into your house.
- Finally, removing leaves and grass clippings from around the foundation, cleaning out window wells and general yard clean-up will get rid of hiding places for pests near the home.
It might be a little too late, but spraying around the house with a perimeter insecticide can help keep those bugs out. Use an insecticide that is labeled for use on the house itself. There are several that are plainly labeled as perimeter sprays. Spray all of the way around the house, three feet out into the yard, and three feet up onto the side of the house. Make sure and test it somewhere first to make sure it isn’t going to stain you siding.
Keeping those unwanted visitors out is better than dealing with them after they get in. Once insects get in, it’s probably best just to vacuum them up. We have a couple of good NebGuides on controlling mice, if they are your problem.
As always, you can contact the extension office at 402-376-1850 for more information on any of the things I’ve covered.
