As temperatures cool and warm nights fade into crisp autumn evenings, you may think of apple picking, bon fires or football. However, insects realize now is the time to find a warm place to spend the winter. Unfortunately, many pests will take a winter vacation with us, in our home. Pests like asian lady beetles, boxelder beetles, cluster flies, rodents and stink bugs, to name a few protect themselves from the elements as temperatures cool.

Although pests may visit the outside of your home, taking a proactive approach is the smartest, most effective way to combat invading pests from moving indoors. Below are pest prevention tips for household pests and infestations. Many of these pests can cause potentially dangerous health and property threats if overlooked.

• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
• Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
• Repair fascia and sofits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
• Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
• Contact Thomas Pest Services for additional advice and treatment options.

TPS is proud to offer many services to reduce your risk against pest.

• Exclusion work. Sealing entry points around your home for pest prevention and rodent entry.
• Chimney Caps.
• Gutters. We install, repair and clean gutters. We are the authorized dealer for Leaf Defier. Climbing your ladder every fall to clean gutters, will be crossed off your “hunny to do list.”
• Door Sweeps. Any doors or garage doors improperly sealed. Our weather proof door sweeps prevent insect and rodent entry.
• TPS also offers many other pest control, home repair and insulation services, just ask!

Pest Prevention Tips provided by: NPMA