FALL!

Now that Labor Day Weekend has snook up on us. Now what?  What can we expect weather wise and how will over wintering pest respond? 

Our spring was late and very long. Some would argue it never really let go. Summer was mild. Never hitting triple digits. It has been a while since we have had such a wet August. Grass never went dormant. Paper Wasp have been quiet. Ground nesting Yellow Jackets have been minimal. Likely due to the heavy rains this spring early summer. Structural nesting yellow jackets have been 80% of my wasp calls. The Bald Faced Hornet, ie the Black Yellow Jacket has been at normal levels. Their hives are always Aerial , therefor not effected by the rains.  MICE!  Yes, the summer surprise. Their indoor activity never really slowed down. The common house mouse has been active. Deer mice have recovered from the spring rains and look to make their move indoors later than normal. 

What does a warmer than normal Fall mean to you? It means mice, box elder bugs, fleas, earwigs and other pest, will produce one or two more generations than usual. This will put a lot of over wintering  pressure in November and December. Great! Just in time for the Holidays...

What can you do to prevent this seasonal push indoors? 
1. Identify potential entry points and repair.
2. Remove material close to structures where mice and insects may try to hide till winters cold sets in. This includes making sure organic mulch such as bark or wood chips is not too deep. Three inches is the maximum depth. More than that requires turning the material every four weeks till a deep freeze. A garden weasel type tool works good. Firewood needs to be raised off the ground, either on the rack or blocks. Never allow wood to sit for more than two seasons.
3. Look for damaged wood and repair or replace.
4. Have gutters cleaned as well as trim overhanging branches. They need to be several feet away or ideally no longer overhanging roof.   
5. Have a preventive service prior to their appearance. Contact me for a pest risk and proofing evaluation. 

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