Orkin has created this guide to help you control fall pests. As temperatures dip, rodents, spiders and cockroaches can seek shelter in your home. This issue focuses on how you and your Orkin specialist can help keep them in their place this fall.

Fall’s cooler temperatures don’t mean you have to provide a warm place for fall pests to stay throughout the winter months. Fall is the time to think about pest-proofing your home to help prevent rodent, spider and cockroach infestations.

“Most homeowners don’t realize that these pests are a problem until it’s too late,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin. “The best thing you can do to keep these pests from surprising you in the winter is to prevent their entry in the fall.”

Orkin experts suggest the following tips:

• Tightly seal all entry points, such as cracks in siding, faulty screens on doors and windows and gaps around utility penetration points. Mice can squeeze through dime-size holes.
• Keep vegetation away from the house, as it can often lead pests into your home.
• Inspect firewood. It’s a typical hiding spot for spiders and cockroaches, so store it on a raised platform away from your house.
• Keep thick mulch and vegetation at least two to three feet from your home because insects are attracted to the moisture it holds.

Rodents and cockroaches can carry diseases and encephalitis, while the black widow is the spider most likely to bite humans. If you suspect any of these cool weather pests have invaded your home, call your Orkin pest specialist immediately.

Did you know that existing customers can receive discounts on other Orkin services? Call your Orkin branch today for details.