Fall Home Maintenance Tips – Attic Pest Control & Smoke Detectors

This is the last article in a series of tips to help you transition your home and yard to the fall season. So far, we have covered the following in a series of blog posts:

  ~  Home Exterior  ~  Keeping Warm/Doors and Windows  ~
  ~  Gardens  ~  Lawn Care  ~  Attic Pest Control  ~
~  Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors  ~

We have covered “Your Home’s Exterior”, “Keeping Warm/Doors and Windows” and “Maintaining Your Gardens & Lawn Care This Fall”. Lastly, let’s talk about attic pest control and carbon monoxide/smoke detectors.

Attic Pest Control

• Pests love attics because they are full of nice warm insulation for nesting, and they offer easy access to the rest of the house. With gable vents that lead into the attic it is a good idea to install a screen behind them to keep those critters out.

• Even after closing off those entryways, pests can still find a way in. The first place to check for any unwanted guests is under the kitchen cupboards and appliances then act accordingly.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

• Each fall, check carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms and put in fresh batteries. These are very important detectors to have in a home. A smoke alarm can save lives in a house fire. A carbon monoxide detector can also save lives if a home has oil or gas-burning appliances, like a furnace or water heater.

• Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless byproduct of burning oil or natural gas, and it can be deadly. For just a few dollars, a carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm if the levels get too high.

• Always install carbon monoxide detectors according to manufacturer’s instructions. Generally they should be installed near each potential source of carbon monoxide, and within ear shot of the living and sleeping areas.