A soft sigh greets the end of summer. It’s time for cooler evenings and earlier sunsets. These are signs to the wildlife population to start considering winter home locations. Make sure to walk around your property and keep an eye on possible entry points.

1. Repair and seal openings around your home. Holes can be utilized by pests. Entrances can be found around utility lines, piping, gas meters, dryer vents and outdoor faucets. Loosened molding around these objects can lead the way for pest entry. Using caulk, expandable foam, copper mesh and even cement may help reduce the problems.

2. Examine window and doors screens. Small tears and rips in the screen should be repaired. Pests can get in through there. If the damage is too much screens should be replaced. Apart from holes in screens looks for gaps around the frame of windows and doors. Small insects and pests can crawl through.

3. Seal cracks and gaps around the exterior of your home. Over time small openings can be developed in your foundation, roof or soffit. It’s important to maintain these areas of your home. Use weather-stripping, silicone, acrylic caulk to seal these entry points.

4. Maintain your home. Make sure to keep your yard clear of wood piles, overgrown trees and bushes. These are hotspots for insects and rodents. It’s crucial to keep pests as far away from your home as possible. Clean your yard of branches, leaves and spill bird seed. Keep your grass and garden well groomed. Do your best not to create an inviting environment for pests.

5. Install a chimney cap. Chimneys and vents release warm air. This is inviting to wildlife searching for a warm place to spend the winter. So, you want to make sure there’s no way these pests can get in. A chimney cap or meshing can deter this as a possible entry point.

6. Call a professional. Pest and insect infestation can quickly get out of control and go unnoticed. The best way to get rid of infestation is to prevent it from the beginning. If you discover any evidence of bug or rodent problems make sure to contact Truly Nolen.