5 Proven Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your House This Fall

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Fall is hands down one of my favorite seasons—cozy evenings, pumpkin spice everything, and that crisp breeze flowing through open windows. But one thing I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) is that pests love fall just as much as we do. As the weather cools down, all kinds of critters—ants, spiders, and even rodents—start looking for warm spots, and sadly, our homes often fit the bill.

Over the years, from what I’ve experienced and learned from friends, experts, and pest-control tips, I’ve picked up a handful of ways that actually work to keep pests out. Today, I’m sharing my five go-to strategies for a pest-free fall—all practical, all worth doing before the chilly nights set in.

Read also: Simple Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home This Spring

1. Seal Every Little Crack and Gap

I used to think my house was pretty sealed up, but one fall I noticed ants sneaking in through a tiny gap near a window frame. That’s when I realized pests don’t need much space—a mouse, for example, can fit through a hole the size of a dime!

Here’s what I—and many users—recommend doing every September:

• Walk around your home with caulk and fill in cracks near windows, doors, and the foundation.
• Use weatherstripping for small gaps under doors.
• Check utility entry points like AC lines or water pipes—pests love hidden openings.

It might seem tedious, but reports from homeowners show it drastically reduces “surprise visitors.”

2. Keep the Kitchen Extra Clean

I’ll admit, when life gets busy, it’s easy to leave crumbs on the counter or forget about that half-eaten fruit. But nothing attracts pests faster than food. I’ve read so many stories from users who had ants or even small rodents show up overnight when food was left out.

Here’s the approach that seems to work best:

• Wipe counters and sweep floors every evening.
• Store pantry items like grains, flour, and cereal in airtight containers.
• Take out the trash regularly and clean the bin itself.

A clean kitchen is consistently mentioned by experts as one of the biggest deterrents for pests.

3. Don’t Forget About Firewood and Outdoor Clutter

Fall is perfect for cozy fires, but firewood stacked too close to your house can act like a pest hotel. Spiders, termites, and even rodents can hitch a ride indoors if logs are too close.

Tips from pest-control pros and experienced homeowners:

• Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
• Only bring in the wood you need for the day.
• Tidy up leaves, mulch, and outdoor clutter—pests love nesting there.

A clean yard can make a surprisingly big difference.

Read also: Hidden Places You Always Forget to Clean

4. Fix Any Moisture Problems

Here’s something I didn’t realize at first: pests aren’t just after warmth and food—they also want water. A damp basement, leaky faucet, or clogged gutter can be like a welcome sign for them.

Now my checklist includes:

• Checking under sinks for drips.
• Making sure gutters drain properly.
• Running a dehumidifier in the basement when humidity is high.

It’s such a simple thing, but fixing moisture problems made my home way less attractive to pests.

5. Bring in Professional Help (When Needed)

Sometimes, DIY just isn’t enough. A lot of people I know—including myself—have had fall seasons where mice or other pests were stubborn. In those cases, professional pest control can be a lifesaver.

Even if you don’t call them every year, a fall inspection can help identify entry points and risks you might overlook. Experts say a proactive check is often much easier than dealing with a full infestation later.

Additional Quick Tips to Keep Your House Pest-Free

• Check screens and vents: Repair any torn screens or gaps in dryer vents.
• Store pet food properly: Don’t leave it out overnight.
• Trim back plants: Branches touching the house can act like “bridges” for pests.
• Use natural deterrents: I like sprinkling cinnamon near entry points for ants—it actually helps!

My Takeaway After Years of Trial and Error

Fall should be about cozy sweaters, baking, and enjoying the leaves—not chasing spiders out of corners or finding mice in the pantry. From what I’ve learned and tested over the years, being proactive each September makes a huge difference.

If you only start with one step, sealing cracks is the most important. But combining all five strategies gives you the best chance for a peaceful, pest-free fall. Small, consistent habits really add up, and the payoff is a home that feels comfortable and safe all season long.

Read also: Cleaning Mistakes that Could Harm Your Health

FAQs About Fall Pest Prevention

1. What pests are most common in fall?
Mice, spiders, cockroaches, ants, and stink bugs are the usual culprits. Rodents in particular love sneaking indoors when the temperature drops.

2. How early should I start pest-proofing my home?
I like to start in late summer (August or September) before it gets too chilly. That way, you’re ahead of the pests before they start looking for shelter.

3. Are natural remedies like peppermint oil really effective?
They can help as a deterrent, but they’re not foolproof. I use natural remedies as a backup to sealing cracks and keeping things clean.

4. Do I need pest control every year?
Not always. If you take preventive steps, you might not need it annually. But if you’ve had repeated infestations, it’s worth getting a fall inspection.

5. Can pests damage my home?
Yes—rodents chew through wires and wood, termites damage structures, and cockroaches can contaminate food. Prevention is always cheaper (and less stressful) than fixing damage later.

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