Fall Homeowner Alert — Stop Pests Before They Move In

You know how, the second fall hits, we all suddenly crave sweaters, soup, and cozy nights in? Unfortunately — so do pests.

As temperatures drop, critters start scouting for warm places to spend the winter… and your garage, pantry, and basement look like the Four Seasons to a mouse. The second they feel that chill, they go house-shopping, and trust me — they are not picky buyers. So before the scratching, droppings, or late-night “did something just scurry?” moments begin, let’s block the door on those furry freeloaders.

🐭 Why Fall Is Mouse Season

They may look super cute ...but Mice are tiny little escape artists with one mission: find warmth + food. And they only need a gap the size of a pencil eraser to squeeze in.

Common entry points?

• Gaps in garage door corners

• Weather-stripping that looks “mostly fine” (aka mouse doors)

• Holes around plumbing and AC lines

• Dryer vents

• Foundation cracks

• Attic and crawl-space vents

If your home backs up to open fields or parks? You're basically on a mouse cul-de-sac — seal aggressively.

🧼 Pantry + Garage: Your Two Weak Spots

Two things mice LOVE more than your Halloween candy stash:

1. Crumbs & clutter (garage corners = mouse condos)

2. Open food containers (cereal… rice… dog food… all fair game)

This weekend, spend 20 minutes on:

• Deep cleaning pantry shelves

• Putting food in airtight bins

• Decluttering garage corners

• Sweeping away leaves by doors (bugs hide there, mice follow bugs)

  
  

Small effort now — no panic traps later.

🛠️ DIY Fall Mouse-Proofing

Think like an inspector:

✅ Seal every visible gap with steel wool + caulk (mice can't chew steel)

✅ Add or replace weather-stripping & door sweeps

✅ Install vent screens

✅ Check that your garage door fully touches the ground

✅ Store food in sealed containers (pet food too)

Hint: if you can see daylight under your door, a mouse sees opportunity.

🕷️ “Bonus Round” Fall Pests

Spiders, earwigs, and boxelder bugs also look for warmth, and once one gets in, they bring friends.

Quick wins: Vacuum webs, reduce clutter, fix screens, seal cracks, avoid squishing boxelder bugs (they stain), and keep moisture away from your foundation.

🧯 When It’s Time to Call a Pro

If you:

• Spot droppings

• Hear scratching

• Find chewed boxes/food

• See more than one mouse

Skip the DIY and treat it like a home investment (because it is).

Trusted Utah pest pros you can call:

• Bulwark Exterminating — rodent & pest control

• Moxie Pest Control — seasonal plans + rodent defense

• Wasatch Pest Control — locally owned

Be sure to tell them you want fall exclusion & sealing, not just a spray.

🏡 Final Takeaway

Your home is cozy. Your pantry is stocked. You worked hard for it. Don’t let a mouse turn it into his winter cabin retreat. A few simple steps now = peaceful, pest-free nights later. And if you're ever prepping your home to sell or want a maintenance checklist specific to Utah homes? You already know who’s got you.