As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, pests in Vancouver start looking for a warm place to hide. Your home becomes the perfect shelter for rodents, spiders, ants, and other seasonal invaders. Fall is one of the most important times of year to pest-proof your home and prevent unwanted guests from moving in.
Here’s how homeowners in Vancouver can prepare for fall and keep pests outside where they belong.
Why Fall Brings More Pests Indoors
Pests are more active in fall because they’re trying to escape the cold and find food and shelter. Mice and rats often enter homes through tiny gaps in walls, roofs, or crawlspaces. Spiders and insects seek warmth and moisture, while ants forage for food before winter hits. Without proper prevention, these pests can settle in and become a serious issue by winter.
Top Tips to Pest Proof Your Vancouver Home This Fall
1. Seal All Entry Points
Inspect your home's exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay close attention to places where utility lines enter the home, around windows, vents, and doorframes. Seal any openings with caulking, steel wool, or weatherproof foam. Even a gap as small as a quarter-inch can allow mice to enter.
2. Keep Firewood and Yard Debris Away
Stack firewood at least 20 feet away from your home. Remove leaves, mulch piles, and garden clutter where pests like to hide. Trim back shrubs and trees that touch your roof or siding.
3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can trap moisture and create ideal nesting spots for insects. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and divert water away from your home’s foundation.
4. Fix Leaky Faucets and Damp Areas
Moisture attracts pests like silverfish and cockroaches. Fix any plumbing leaks, ensure good ventilation in crawlspaces and basements, and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
5. Store Food Securely
As outdoor food sources dry up, pests will look indoors for meals. Store all pantry food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
6. Schedule a Professional Fall Inspection
Preventative pest control is far more effective than waiting until there's a full-blown infestation. A licensed technician can identify problem areas and apply protective treatments around your home’s perimeter.
Don’t Wait Until Winter
By the time you see pests indoors, they’ve already made themselves comfortable. Fall is your chance to stop infestations before they start. Professional pest proofing gives you peace of mind knowing your home is protected during the colder months.