None of us want to think about the fall coming, but whether we like it or not, it will be here very shortly.
As the summer months leave us, and the crisp chill of fall fills the air, it forces a lot of bugs to pack up and move inside our homes.
Boxelder bugs are notorious for invading homes in masses during the fall season.
Also preparing to make your home their home are: carpenter ants, cockroaches, spiders and mice.
While it is still warm, you should begin preparing and safe guarding your home from menacing pests.
The key to keeping bugs out is to completely guard them from getting in, because once they are in they multiply, and cause structural damage and health issues.
Exterior

• Start off your preventative maintenance by going around your home exterior and sealing all cracks and holes, especially those around windows and doors.
  
• Next, remove or trim anything near or touching the home.
  Things like debris, close tree branches, wood piles and shrubbery all serve the purpose of housing pests, and because of the proximity will direct them into your home come fall.
  
• Repair any roof leaks where moisture is present.
  You will also want check to assure that there is no moisture surrounding your home.
  Warm places where the sun hits, and places where water spouts are located are a bug's paradise.
  
• Once you have completed those tasks, you can install yellow compact fluorescent lights outdoors.
  These lights act as a bug repellent, and although you might be pessimistic they really do work quite well.
  

Interior

• After you have finished the exterior, move to the inside.
  Again assure that all cracks and holes are sealed.
  You can prevent entrance through the bottom of your doors by installing weather strips.
  
• Store any open food in containers or tightly closed bags, and do not leave dog or cat food out for more than a couple hours.
  
• Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs, and throw out the garbage if it has been sitting for a long period of time.
  
• Place a few mice traps in your garage and in your kitchen cabinets.
  

One of the best solutions to keeping pests out is to hire an exterminator to come out and inspect your home.
Not only will they point out problems which would have otherwise gone unnoticed, they may also catch a pest issue before it can cause any real problem.
For more bug tips and preventative maintenance visit the Extermatrim Exterminating website.