McCloud Services offers tips on pest proofing

As summer slowly comes to an end, McCloud Services, headquartered in South Elgin, Ill., reminds the public that stinging insects such as paper wasps, bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets enter into their most active season in September. McCloud Services also encourages homeowners to integrate pest proofing into their routines for the fall season.

"Many people think that stinging insects are most active in June and July, but stinging insects are actually most aggressive in the early fall as the colony size has peaked and natural food sources start to decline, driving these insects to interact with humans more frequently," said Patricia Hottel, technical director for McCloud Services. "Come autumn, stinging insect colonies in the Midwest can contain upwards of 4,000 members, leading to an increased number of stings as they tend to forage on human food."

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports that more than 500,000 people are sent to the emergency room every year due to insect stings. Some stings can also cause severe allergic reactions.

McCloud Services encourages people to be on the lookout for stinging insects when attending late summer picnics or completing home maintenance projects around the yard this fall. The pest management company offers the following tips for homeowners if they encounter stinging insects in their yard:

• If possible, treat nests on the property to reduce workers and next year's queens. If a nest is found on the property, McCloud Services recommends calling a licensed pest professional for assistance. If a nest can be found and treated, it will reduce the risks from foraging wasps.

• Consider the use of traps to reduce numbers. Place traps around the perimeter of the area you are trying to protect. They should not be placed where people are likely to contact.

• Cover food as much as possible when grilling and serving food outdoors. Cups with lids can help discourage yellowjackets and prevent encounters.

• Keep outside garbage in sealed bags and trash receptacles with self-closing lids.

Fall into a Pest Proofing Routine

Many homeowners think pest problems will wane at the end of summer, but fall is one of the most critical times to pest proof homes prior to the winter months. Pests such as mice, rats, box elder bugs and spiders will look for shelter in warm homes as the weather grows cooler.

Hottel says rodents, for example, are a more common fall pest. "Rodents can contaminate food and damage drywall and electrical wires throughout the home. Other fall invaders to combat this fall are box elder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, the cluster fly and multicolored Asian lady beetles. As the days get shorter and evening and day temps get lower, we see an increase in activity. As we head into fall, now is the time pest proof homes so these invaders don't become a threat this winter."

NPMA and McCloud Services recommend these common pest-proofing tips for the fall season:

• Seal bases of exterior doors and garage doors, attic vents and openings to chimneys. Mice can enter a space as small as a dime or quarter-inch. Even smaller openings must be sealed to prevent insect entry.

• Eliminate moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.

• Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and metal meshes. Pay close attention where utility pipes enter the structure.

• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

• Trim all tree limbs away from the home so they do not touch or overhang onto the roofs or siding.

• Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.

For more information on fall pest-proofing, visit info.mccloudservices.com.

About McCloud Services

McCloud Services is the leader in integrated pest management solutions. Known for providing the highest level of pest management services and customer care, McCloud Services pest management programs are designed to target immediate pest concerns with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. McCloud Services is a regional service provider with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. For more information, please visit www.mccloudservices.com.