While you may not see many insects outside this time of year, there’s still a chance you’ll see them inside. Unless you take action. Learn about the best time to employ perimeter pest control methods to create a barrier for bugs and rodents this winter.

Where to Target Pests

It’s time to secure the perimeter. The onset of colder weather may force some pests to venture closer and closer to your home. While bugs and mice may originate outside, they’re looking for a comfy spot to spend the winter. Don’t let this be inside your home.

Perimeter pest control is a treatment formulated to create a barrier around your home to prevent pests from entering. It comes in spray and powder form and is typically applied to the following areas:

• Foundation
• Landscape beds close to your house
• Door frames
• Window wells
• Crawl spaces

When you’re proactive about pest control, you can treat these areas before any bugs are found. However, noticing a few bugs that have breached the perimeter is a reminder to act quickly to prevent a larger infestation.

What kind of bugs? Perimeter pest control targets a variety of pests, including:

• Ants
• Spiders
• Centipedes
• Cockroaches
• Boxelder bugs
• Stink bugs
• Asian lady beetles

These are only some of the pests that are more prominent in the fall and are actively searching for shelter and food. Most of the pest control applications happen outside, but you can also target the inside of windows and doors or any areas that have been frequented by bugs before. If you find more than a few pests hanging around already, you may need more than perimeter control.

Best Time for Perimeter Pest Control Methods

In order for perimeter pest control to be the most effective, regular applications are needed at specific times.

• In the fall: Many pests, including bugs and rodents, seek shelter indoors as temperatures drop. Apply any outdoor products before freezing temperatures arrive.
• In the spring: Pests become active again as temperatures rise and begin to search for food and water. Apply products early in the season to target bugs as they emerge.

The best time of year depends on the following factors:

1. Climate. In warmer climates, more pests are active year-round, so more pest control treatments may be necessary.
2. Weather. Avoid applying any product before heavy wind or rain, as it can wash away the pesticide.
3. Pest. Target control measures to the type of pest you’re trying to control.
4. Consistency. Reapply control products according to its specific instructions or your pest control provider’s schedule, which typically happens at least once every season for continuous protection.
5. Integrated Pest Management. In addition to applying perimeter pest control products, you also want to seal cracks and any entry points, reducing moisture in basements and crawl spaces, and maintain cleanliness for better results.

By using these preventive strategies, you can help minimize pest problems throughout the year. Contact Cardinal Lawns to help prevent pests from breaching the perimeter of your home this season. Our Pest-Free Program includes multiple applications of our specialized perimeter pest control treatment to help reduce the number of the insects that enter your home and prevent their return.