Head Into Fall With A Healthy, Pest-Free Home

Keep your home clean and in good repair

First and foremost, a healthy home is a well-maintained home. It might sound simple, but minor repairs and regular cleaning can make a huge difference. Whether it’s patching up a leaky roof, sealing cracks, or giving the house a deep clean every season, staying on top of maintenance keeps your home functional and a healthy place to be.

Routine upkeep helps prevent problems from snowballing. For example, ignoring a small leak could lead to bigger issues like mold growth or structural damage. So, whether you’re dealing with salty air near the coast or the occasional harsh storm, staying proactive is the key to keeping your home in good shape.

Keep it dry and well-ventilated

In this humid region, moisture is a big deal. A healthy home must be dry—especially in areas like the crawl space, which can become a magnet for moisture if not adequately ventilated. Moreover, excess moisture not only leads to mold and mildew but can also attract pests (more on that in a minute!).

Make sure your home has good ventilation, particularly in the attic, basement, and crawl space. Dehumidifiers, proper insulation, and moisture barriers can help control humidity levels. Keeping everything dry and well-ventilated is essential for maintaining your home’s structural integrity and your family’s health.

Eliminate the bugs and rodents

Let’s face it—South Carolina has its share of pests, and they can be more than just a nuisance. Pests like termites, ants, cockroaches, and mice not only cause damage but can also affect the health of those living in the home. A healthy home is a pest-free home, so it’s essential to take steps to keep these bugs and critters out.

Seal up entry points, such as cracks and gaps around windows and doors, trim tree branches and shrubs that touch the house, and eliminate any standing water, which can attract insects. Keeping your home clean, especially the kitchen, can reduce the chances of inviting unwanted guests. And, of course, professional pest control can offer long-term solutions if you’re dealing with persistent issues.

Fall home maintenance tips

We've compiled a few fall home maintenance tips to help you achieve a healthy and pest-free home.

• Clean gutters and make sure downspouts are diverting water away from the foundation.
• Inspect your roof for cracked or curling shingles and other weak points.
• Replace water-damaged wood.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and off the ground.
• Stain the deck, porch, and fence if it’s time.
• Rake leaves and pick up yard debris.
• Call your HVAC company to set up a maintenance visit.
• Schedule an annual chimney sweep.
• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
• Test your emergency generator.
• Check the attic to ensure attic vents aren’t blocked, and there are no leaks or signs of pest activity.
• Inspect your crawl space for moisture-related issues and pests.

When to contact a company for moisture control

While keeping your home dry and well-ventilated is necessary, there are times when moisture problems go beyond what homeowners can handle on their own. If you’ve noticed persistent moisture, mold and mildew growth, water damage, wood rot, or pest problems originating in the crawl space, it’s time for professional help.

Here at Harris Pest Control, we offer moisture control services in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and elsewhere in our service area, starting with a thorough crawl space inspection. After we’ve assessed the space, we’ll develop a customized solution that may include:

• Crawl space clean-out and sanitizing
• Insulation removal and replacement
• Vent and access door replacement
• Moisture barrier installation
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Crawl space drainage system

Inspections are free, and highly trained and fully licensed specialists perform services.  Reach out today!

Sign up for year-round pest control services

As mentioned above, pest control services will also help keep your home in good condition and protect your family from nuisance and potentially harmful pests. Here at Harris Pest Control, we offer home pest control plans that eliminate existing pest activity and prevent new infestations from developing year-round. Check out our Intelligent Choice Service Program for pests and termites below, or call us if you have any questions!