Fall is settling in and the change of seasons is bringing more than crisp air – it’s sending pests flocking to your Nashville home as they seek warmth and shelter. To keep rodents, insects, and other pests outside, do a proactive fall cleanup so they don’t use your property as a winter hideout.

If you do spot pests in your home this fall, call a pest control specialist in Nashville right away.

Fall Yard Cleanup: Essential For Pest Control

A clean, well-maintained yard is your first line of defense against unwanted fall and winter infestations.

• Remove piles of leaves, wood, and organic debris so pests such as spiders and mice don’t use them as nesting and hiding spots.
• Remove damp debris that could trap moisture and attract humidity-loving pests such as centipedes, termites, and insects.
• Remove all leftover debris brushed up against walls, foundations, and potential points of entry to discourage pest pathways.

9 Things to Do

As you prioritize your fall cleanup checklist, make sure it incorporates these nine essential tasks:

1. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup and crawl spaces near the foundation.
2. Rake and remove excess leaf litter.
3. Trim shrubs, vines, and overhanging branches.
4. Prune back vegetation near foundation walls.
5. Dispose of or stack firewood properly — off the ground and away from the house.
6. Store or compost plant debris rather than keeping it piled near structures.
7. Remove yard waste, brush, and dead branches that may be against your home.
8. Mulch garden beds with thin, light layers (instead of thick piles) to discourage pests.
9. Seal or cap vents, crawl space openings, and other gaps to block common entry points.

Common Nashville Fall Pests

All of these cleanup tips will help safeguard your property against these common Nashville fall pests:

• Rodents (mice, rats)
• Asian lady beetles, stink bugs, and boxelder bugs
• Spiders, centipedes, and other insects
• Termites and wood-boring pests

When you clean up your yard and remove leaves and other debris, you are doing your part to eliminate pests’ shelter and food options.

Fall Cleanup Isn’t Always Enough

While fall yard cleanup is certainly important, it won’t seal every tiny gap or wall crack. You will still need to do some exclusion work, such as sealing gaps and using screening vents, to really make a difference. Your Nashville pest control technician can help with recommendations.

Once pests make it inside, more invasive interior pest control treatments or inspections will be required.

Staying Ahead This Fall

Fall cleanup is much more than just yard work – it’s all about preventative pest control. This is a time to spot weaknesses, patch structural gaps, and reduce hidden pest habitats before winter drives pests inside your home. The better job you do of cleaning up your yard, the less chance you’ll encounter pests indoors.

Make yard cleanup a seasonal ritual, and you’ll ensure that pests find fewer hiding spots in and around your Nashville home.

Nashville Pest Control by PureGuard Pest Solutions

Need help? Call PureGuard Pest Solutions at 615-502-2855 for a fall inspection today, or visit www.pureguardpest.com.