2020 Fall Newsletter!

As autumn settles over North Texas and temperatures begin to drop, pests start looking for warm places to spend the winter—and your home tops their list! Here's your essential fall pest control guide to keep unwanted guests outside where they belong.

Fall Pest Prevention Checklist

1. Seal Your Home's Exterior

As temperatures drop, even the smallest opening becomes an invitation for pests. Take time this fall to:

• Inspect and seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundation
• Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors
• Install door sweeps where gaps exist
• Seal utility penetrations where pipes and wires enter your home
• Repair damaged screens on windows and vents

Remember: mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and rats only need a quarter-sized gap!

2. Clean Those Gutters!

Clogged gutters create multiple pest problems:

• Standing water attracts mosquitoes (yes, even in fall!)
• Decomposing leaves provide food for cockroaches and other insects
• Debris creates sheltered nesting spots for rodents
• Moisture can lead to wood damage that attracts termites

Pro tip: After cleaning, check that gutters drain properly away from your foundation to prevent moisture issues.

3. Proper Firewood Storage

Nothing says fall like a cozy fire, but improper firewood storage invites pests into your home. Follow these guidelines:

• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home - This distance discourages pests from migrating indoors
• Elevate wood off the ground - Use a rack or platform to prevent moisture and reduce termite access
• Cover the top only - Allow air circulation on the sides to keep wood dry
• Use the oldest wood first - Rotate your supply to prevent long-term pest habitation
• Inspect before bringing inside - Check each log for spiders, roaches, and other hitchhikers
• Only bring in what you'll burn immediately - Don't store firewood indoors

4. Landscape Maintenance

Your yard is the first line of defense against pest invasions:

• Trim branches that touch or overhang your roof
• Maintain an 18-inch barrier between shrubs and your home's exterior
• Remove leaf litter and debris where pests hide
• Eliminate standing water in flower pots, birdbaths, and other containers
• Clean up fallen fruit from trees before it attracts rodents and insects

5. Indoor Preparation

Don't forget about indoor pest prevention:

• Store food in sealed containers - Including pet food!
• Fix leaky pipes and eliminate moisture sources
• Declutter storage areas where pests like to hide
• Vacuum regularly to remove food crumbs and insect eggs
• Inspect holiday decorations before bringing them in from storage

Common Fall Invaders in North Texas

Be on the lookout for these pests seeking winter shelter:

• Rodents - Mice and rats seeking warmth and food
• Spiders - Including the brown recluse and black widow
• Cockroaches - Particularly German and American varieties
• Silverfish - Attracted to humid areas and paper products
• Boxelder bugs and ladybugs - Congregating on sunny walls

Announcing: 31 Days of Giving!

We're excited to announce our "31 Days of Giving" initiative throughout December! At Kolibri Pest Services, we believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much.

Supporting Metrocrest Services

This year, we're partnering with Metrocrest Services, an incredible organization that provides emergency assistance and support to families in our community. Throughout December, we'll be:

• Collecting non-perishable food items
• Gathering warm clothing and blankets
• Raising funds for their emergency assistance programs
• Volunteering our time to help their mission

How You Can Help

Join us in making a difference! Here's how you can participate:

1. Drop off donations at our office during business hours
2. Schedule a service in December, and we'll make a donation in your name
3. Share our mission on social media to spread the word
4. Volunteer with us at Metrocrest Services events

Most Needed Items:

• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Pasta and sauce
• Personal hygiene items
• Baby supplies (diapers, formula, food)

Why We Give

The holiday season reminds us that we're more than just a pest control company—we're part of a community. Every family we serve, every home we protect, contributes to the fabric of North Texas. This is our way of saying thank you and helping ensure everyone in our community has a happy holiday season.

Schedule Your Fall Inspection

Don't wait for pests to find the gaps in your winter defenses! Schedule your fall pest inspection today, and we'll help identify and address potential problem areas before they become winter infestations.

Call us at (972) 217-7151 to schedule your inspection and join us in making this holiday season brighter for families in need.

Together, we can keep pests out and kindness in!

Happy Fall from the Kolibri Family!