Fall Home and Yard Maintenance Tips That Can Help Prevent Pest Problems in Sawyer

When summer fades and the cooler temperatures roll in, we can be quick to plan some fun outdoor events. But what we sometimes have to prioritize is the outdoor tasks that didn't get done during the summer because it was too hot. Maybe you've got to trim the bushes, repot some plants, or clean out the garage. Doing those things early can help reduce the likelihood of becoming home to more pests, so be sure to address them as soon as you can. When it comes to Sawyer, MI pest control, a little maintenance and proactive measures can go a long way.

Clear Out the Gutters

Leaves in the yard are one thing, but leaves in the gutter are something else entirely. Not only can leaves block the flow of rainwater and lead to home issues, but it can also create wonderful homes for mosquitoes, ticks, and more. When you notice any buildup in your gutters, it's important to address it promptly.

Don't Stop Checking for Standing Water Yet

The bird bath may not be getting as much use as it did in July, but it can still collect rain. So can empty planters, children's toys, buckets, tarps, wheelbarrows, and plenty of other things scattered around the yard. Before you put outdoor items away for winter, tip out any water and let them dry. Take another look after a heavy rain. Fall temperatures can bounce around, and mosquitoes can still stay active during warmer stretches.

Deal With Those Piles of Leaves

A yard full of leaves isn't an uncommon site in the fall, but the thick piles can cause more issues than you may realize. And it's not just the leaves in the middle of your yard. You should look at the piles built up against the house and under bushes, as those often get overlooked and become prime habitats for pests of all kinds.

Cut Back Summer Growth

By fall, some of the plants around the yard may be a lot bigger than you remember. A shrub that had plenty of room in May might be brushing against the house now, or the garden bed beside the patio may have gotten pretty dense. Those thick, shady spots can be comfortable places for mosquitoes to spend the day. You may find spiders and other bugs tucked in there, too. Trim back anything that's gotten especially unruly. It's also a good opportunity to clear dead plant material from garden beds before winter.

Check Around Your Deck and Patio

Outdoor living spaces can collect a surprising amount of stuff by the end of summer. Look underneath patio furniture, grills, planters, and storage boxes. Clear out wet leaves and other debris that has worked its way into corners. If you have a deck, take a look underneath it as well. You may find standing water, spider webs, ant activity, or signs that another pest has been spending more time there than you realized.

Give the House a Quick Once-Over

You don't need to complete a full home inspection to get your ducks in a row this fall. Next time you’re outside, take a look at the bottoms of exterior doors, screens, window frames, and places where pipes or utility lines enter the house. Garages and basement entrances deserve a look, too. Small gaps can become more important once temperatures drop and pests start spending more time around protected spaces.

Keep Tick Checks on Your Fall Routine

You might think of ticks as more of a summer problem, but they can actually remain active into the cooler months. Sawyer's wooded and brushy areas can be an ideal tick habitat, and your own yard may have similar conditions. Try to keep those spots well-maintained and continue checking yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. A cool fall afternoon may feel completely different from a humid July day, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the ticks are done for the year.

How Mosquito Squad Can Help

Fall cleanup isn't going to stop every bug from showing up. What it can do is make some of the problem spots around your property much easier to see. If you've noticed several pest problems around your home, a professional can also take a closer look at what's happening and where the activity is coming from. For Sawyer, MI pest control, call Mosquito Squad of Southwest Michigan at (269) 340-3580 for a free quote and learn more about pest control solutions for your home and yard.