Complete Fall Cleaning Checklist & Pest Prevention Tips

As the seasons are changing and the autumnal equinox is upon us, there are tasks that homeowners should start thinking about completing around the house. The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

Fun Fact:  The word “equinox” comes from Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, “night.” On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length.

During this time when there is an almost perfect balance of daylight and darkness, we can examine the balance in our own lives as well. Let’s use this opportunity to check in with our environment – both inside and outside the home.

Take the time to make sure you are surrounding yourself with the things that support health and harmony for you and your family.

Creating a Healthy Home

Little things have a way of building up all around us and we might not notice their cumulative effect, but over time, these things cause us stress. Clutter and neglect take away from our health and well-being, and that can cost us dearly. 

Some of these things are objects that can be organized, stored, or given away – like clothes that no longer fit, equipment from hobbies no longer practiced, and that stack of junk mail that continues to grow. 

Some of these things are habits and choices we make – like ordering late-night delivery while scrolling through Instagram with a serious case of FOMO. All of these things can affect our quality of life and the impact we have on the world around us.

By focusing on non-toxic living, sustainable practices, and co-existing with nature, you can strike the right balance in your home and daily life. Adopting healthy habits will improve your physical and mental well-being, along with many other benefits. 

You’ll end up saving money, and (this is where EarthKind’s expertise can truly shine) you’ll be free from the stress and mess of pest infestations, too! The fall season provides the perfect time to evaluate these items within your home and come up with a plan for deep cleaning and creating a healthier environment within your living space. 

Fall Deep Cleaning Checklist 

Use this checklist to clean up and declutter your home for the fall season.  Simple steps, like keeping up with home maintenance and swapping out household products containing harmful chemicals for natural alternatives will make a big difference!

• Do a ‘clean sweep’ to find any harmful chemicals that need to be removed from the home. Check under sinks, in basements, garages, attics, and closets for toxic cleaners and pesticides.
• Check all products for expiration dates, and look out for leaking or damaged containers.
• Review disposal instructions on product labels. Look up local hazardous waste disposal guidelines as many of these items are not suitable for curbside pickup.
• Make any necessary door and window screen repairs to keep pests out, then let in some fresh air.
• Inspect faucets, appliances, and utility lines for moisture accumulation to prevent mold, mildew, insects, and rodents.
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and any other areas where they may build up.
• Store summer items, including summer clothes and decor, in air-tight totes or vacuum-sealed storage bags to protect them from pests that are attracted to cardboard, like cockroaches, silverfish, moths, and termites.
• Vacuum spider webs—look near windows, closets, attics, light fixtures, or crawl spaces—& prevent those 8-legged critters from coming back by placing Stay Away Spiders in those areas.
• Fill in tiny openings outside or in the corners of your home with steel wool & silicone caulking to keep mice out. Any spaces the size of or larger than a dime should be filled.
• Ensure all human & pet food is in airtight, sealed containers.
• Safely store outdoor patio furniture and other outdoor items like garden hoses and lawn mowers. Remember to include a pouch of Stay Away® to deter spiders and prevent mice from chewing up and nesting in cushions.
• EarthKind pest-repellent pouches can also keep rodents, spiders, and moths from infesting RVs, trailers, boats, & motorcycles that you are storing away for the winter.

Get Free Printable Checklist

A Few More Fall Pest Prevention Tips

Common pests are affected by seasonal changes just like any other living being. Rodents and insects will be looking for warm and cozy places to spend the cold weather months. Make sure your home is unwelcoming to household pests. 

• Start by finding and repairing any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, and the building’s foundation. Blocking these entrances makes it harder for creepy crawly critters to get inside. This will help keep your heating costs down, too. 
• Keeping things neat and tidy means mice and bugs will have fewer places to hide. 
• Properly storing food and seasonal items will deter pest infestations and make your life a little easier, too!

As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Fall is the perfect time to take the steps to protect your property from pest damage, while also protecting the environment and pests from damage caused by humans. 

Develop a Regular Cleaning Routine

This season is a great time to check in with all the items discussed above, but don’t neglect them the rest of the year. Developing a routine for regular house cleaning tasks is crucial to preventing any future pest infestations and creating a healthier home. Regular tasks like wiping down countertops, cleaning out kitchen cabinets, and cleaning out sink drains will help to keep pests out of the areas most likely to have a food source.

Don’t forget about the larger items, like furniture, that also need attention. Remember to routinely launder comforters, flip mattresses, wash shower curtains, and clean upholstery. 

In addition to this, cleaning windows, window sills, baseboards, and uncommon areas like ceiling fans, light switches, and door knobs, should not be overlooked.

Testing the functionality of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be a part of your routine.

Let’s work together to preserve nature’s delicate ecosystem, creating a world of protection for all. Contact us today to learn more about our plant-based pest control products that can help you create a healthier home.