As the fall season approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home for the changing weather and the potential intrusion of unwanted pests. To help you get started, we’ve put together a Fall Maintenance Checklist that not only safeguards your home from the elements, but also defends against pests that might seek shelter as temperatures drop.
Rake Leaves:
The vibrant foliage may be picturesque, but those fallen leaves can be more than just an aesthetic concern. Leaf piles can become cozy nesting spots for various pests, so keeping your yard tidy is a crucial step in pest prevention.
Cover or Store Outdoor Furniture and Grills:
While enjoying your outdoor space is a pleasure year-round in Central Florida, it’s still wise to protect your outdoor furniture and grills. If you plan to leave them outside during the fall and winter, ensure they are well covered and stowed beneath an overhang. Keeping them sheltered prevents damage from rain and snow while discouraging pests from nesting in these cozy spots. Even in milder climates like here in Florida, covering your grill between uses helps maintain its finish and makes it less inviting to pests.
Shut Off Exterior Faucets and Store Hoses for Winter:
In Central Florida, where the winters are milder, this step might not be as crucial. Nonetheless, it’s still good practice to disconnect, drain, and roll up hoses before storing them for the winter months. Shutting off the water supply to exterior faucets is another measure to prevent frozen pipes, which could burst and lead to unwanted moisture accumulation in your home. Pests are often drawn to damp environments, making these precautions vital for pest prevention.
Clean Up Decorations:
Exterior fall decorations can enhance your home’s curb appeal, but once the season has passed, it’s essential to tidy up. Leaving decorations in your yard or around your home can provide hiding spots for pests, especially as they seek refuge from cooler weather. When disposing of any organic decorations, like pumpkins or hay bales, be sure to do so properly, as these can attract pests once they start to decay.
Maintain Your Wood Stove or Fireplace:
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, safety should be your priority. Before lighting your first fire of the season, have it serviced to ensure it operates efficiently. Schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection, and if necessary, have it cleaned. A well-maintained fireplace not only ensures safety but also reduces the chances of pests, such as Chimney Swifts, finding their way into your home.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts:
Wait until most of the leaves have fallen to schedule a rain gutter cleaning. Inspect gutters and downspouts for any cracks or loose components, and promptly make necessary repairs. Keeping your gutters clear and in good condition is essential because accumulated debris can become a prime breeding ground for pests. Don’t provide these unwanted guests with a cozy winter shelter.
Trim Dead Tree Limbs:
Dead tree limbs are not only potential safety hazards during winter storms, but can also become breeding grounds for various pests. Scheduling an inspection by an arborist and trimming large trees helps eliminate this risk and keeps your home and yard free from these potential infestations. It’s an important step to ensure your home remains pest-free this fall and winter.
By completing these maintenance tasks, you can not only protect your home from the changing seasons, but also create a less welcoming environment for pests that might be seeking refuge as temperatures drop. This proactive approach ensures a cozy, pest-free home during the fall and winter months in Central Florida. If you want help keeping out those pesky pests Call GATO GUARD Today!