Your home is your refuge against inclement weather. It gives you and your family shelter, warmth, and comfort.

These same qualities attract pests — like rodents, spiders, and cockroaches — to invite themselves in and make themselves at home. And that’s why these pests are always more of a threat during the cooler months of the year.

To help you keep your home and family safe from pests this fall, check out these tips from the National Pest Management Association:

1. Install door sweeps on exterior doors, and repair damaged screens.

2. Screen vents and openings to chimneys.

3. Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter.

4. Store food in airtight containers.

5. Dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.

6. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the foundation and windows.

7. Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.

8. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home.

9. Keep shrubbery well-trimmed.

Of course, if you suspect a pest infestation problem in your home, you should consult with a licensed pest professional to inspect, identify and treat the problem. We suggest locally owned and operated CSI Exterminators (www.csi-ext.com • 559-294-1779).

BONUS TIP: Peppermint essential oil is a natural repellent of both mice and spiders (and ants, too). Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with the oil and place in areas where you see evidence of the pests. You also can mix 4-5 drops of the oil in a spray bottle of water for a spray-on treatment.

(National Pest Management Association tips from www.PestWorld.org)

YOUR TURN! What other steps do YOU take to protect your home and family from pests? Tell us about them in a comment below!

Mini Mops, Inc. is a professional house cleaning company serving residential and commercial clients in the Fresno-Clovis CA area since 1975. We are currently accepting new clients. Please call (559) 264-6677 to schedule a free estimate.