Home Pest Control Summit Pest Control

Autumn is a great time of year, especially in the Pacific Northwest.  It brings the autumn harvest, Halloween, Thanksgiving and all the colors of the season. As I drove through some of our Portland and Southeast Washington neighborhoods this last week I thought (without dampening the fun of the season) it would be a good idea to post a few seasonal precautions that will help keep pests out of the autumn equation.  Hope everyone has a great season!

  • Fruit trees – Many residents and property owners in the Pacific Northwest have fruit trees in their yards.  If you do, make sure as you harvest that you manage the pieces that fall to the ground.  Rotting fruit invites pests of all kinds, bugs and animals alike (ants, rats, raccoons, squirrels, bats and more).  Keep your yard clear and clean of rotting fruit. This goes the same for gardens and  throwaways from other crop harvests.
  • Pumpkin carving – Everyone loves Halloween pumpkins, including raccoons, rats, squirrels and other critters. If at all possible, keep jack-o-lanterns stowed away when they are not being actively displayed.  Clean up after pumpkin carving and get rid of them the moment they show any signs of rot. In addition to providing a food source, their proximity to your warm spaces may invite critters to investigate a potential nesting spot.
  • Wheelbarrows – After using wheelbarrows in the yard, lean them against a support structure standing up on end. When sitting upside down they become shelters and when sitting right side up they can gather water.
  • Inspect your property.  It’s getting colder and the pests of the Pacific Northwest world know it.  They are already seeking their winter shelters.  Now is a good time to make sure that cracks are sealed, small holes are filled, crawl spaces are secured and landscaping is trimmed back from your structure.

AUTUMN HARVEST in Portland OR & Vancouver WA

Serving Portland Oregon & Vancouver Washington

Portland OR | Tigard | Beaverton | Lake Oswego | West Linn | Hillsboro | Wilsonville | Clackamas | Gresham

Vancouver WA | Camas | Washougal | La Center | Ridgefield | Battle Ground

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