Fall Tips with Kolibri

As autumn arrives in North Texas, falling temperatures send pests searching for warm shelter—and your home becomes an attractive target. Follow these five essential tips from Kolibri Pest Services to keep unwanted guests outside where they belong.

1. Seal Your Home's Exterior

Target Pests: Squirrels, rats, mice, and other small mammals

As temperatures drop, rodents become increasingly motivated to find warm shelter. Walk around your home's perimeter and look for:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Holes where utilities enter your home
• Damaged or missing weather stripping
• Cracks in your foundation or siding

Action Steps:

• Fill small holes with steel wool and caulk
• Replace worn weather stripping
• Install door sweeps where needed
• Repair any damaged screens

Remember: if you can stick a pencil through a gap, a mouse can squeeze through it!

2. Clean Those Gutters Regularly

Target Pests: Mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, and various flying insects

Clogged gutters create the perfect pest breeding ground by providing:

• Standing water for mosquito larvae
• Decomposing organic matter that attracts insects
• Moisture that can lead to wood rot and structural damage

Action Steps:

• Remove leaves and debris monthly
• Ensure proper water flow and drainage
• Install gutter guards if needed
• Check downspouts for proper water diversion

3. Protect Against Termites

Target Pests: Subterranean termites

Fall is an excellent time to termite-proof your property before winter weather arrives.

Action Steps:

• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home
• Keep firewood elevated off the ground
• Remove dead tree stumps and debris from your yard
• Ensure proper drainage around your foundation
• Fix any moisture problems in crawl spaces

4. Seal Windows and Doors

Target Pests: Ants and other crawling insects

Even the smallest gaps can become insect highways into your home.

Action Steps:

• Inspect all window frames for gaps
• Check door frames, especially around the threshold
• Apply caulk to seal small openings
• Install or repair door sweeps
• Consider installing storm doors for extra protection

5. Eliminate Attractants

Target Pests: All pest species

Prevention is always easier than elimination. Remove what attracts pests to your property:

Action Steps:

• Keep pet food in sealed containers
• Clean up fallen fruit from trees
• Ensure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids
• Remove standing water from flower pots and bird baths
• Store garden supplies and tools properly

Professional Fall Inspection

While these DIY tips are excellent starting points, a professional inspection can identify problems you might miss. Our technicians are trained to spot:

• Hidden entry points
• Early signs of infestation
• Moisture problems that attract pests
• Structural vulnerabilities

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Taking these steps now can save you significant problems (and expenses) later. Fall prevention is particularly important because:

• Pests are actively seeking winter shelter
• Small problems can become major infestations over winter
• Prevention costs far less than treatment
• Your family's comfort and health are protected

Don't wait until pests have already moved in for the winter. Contact Kolibri Pest Services today at (972) 217-7151 to schedule your fall prevention inspection and join the Kolibri family!