September is a month of change: cooler nights and warm days triggering movement of insect and rodent pests. With our fast-approaching fall, preparation protecting homes and property from unwanted insects and rodent pests is of great importance. Exterior perimeter treatments are most important in the fall of the year because pests can feel the change coming and know that all too soon temperatures will drop making survival more difficult. 

With valuable exterior perimeter treatments, the stage is set for successful control as we go into late fall, winter and early spring.  A plan that is implemented through knowledgeable use of pesticides and exclusion materials can make life much more pleasant for us humans in the coming months.

  • First, chemical treatments are not all the same. Know your pesticide and how to apply it correctly and efficiently. The right pesticide used in an unlabeled manner may not give one the protection that is sought. An example of using a product inefficiently would be diatomaceous earth around the exterior of the home. This product does have a broad label and can be effective in controlling many insect pests. However, most folks don’t know that it must be reapplied after every heavy dew or rain to remain effective. Doing the extra work just doesn’t make sense when a better way would be to use a more efficient pesticide to provide proven results. 
  • The second thing to consider is whether the pesticide used will work well on the insect species that one wants to target. Knowing what pesticide will provide the best control is a big step in attaining insect control.
  • The perfect plan is to apply the correct pesticide around doors, windows, the base of the structure, soffit areas and even the roof line to cover any points that would allow entry into the structure. Application is one important step but be sure not to pick a pesticide that might deface exterior surfaces which might require cleaning off the pesticide that was applied wasting time, money and product. 
  • If exclusion of pests can be done, it is a more permanent solution, but often it is easier to apply the proper pesticide at the right time in the right places.

Fall is also a great time to consider rodent baiting before mice and rats make their way into your home/barn/shed/etc. Doing so now, the bait/bait box is waiting for them when they arrive, making life much easier for the homeowner to control the rodents. In the case of rodents, exclusion can be very effective, but it must be done before the rodents take up residence in the home.

Please call us for a fall treatment to protect your home and peace of mind and keep unwanted insects and rodents away.