Skip to content

Autumn Pest-Proofing Checklist for Surrey Homes

Autumn pest proofing Surrey becomes essential as temperatures drop and pests look for warm, dry places to hide. A few simple steps now can stop rodents, cluster flies, spiders, fleas, and lingering wasps from turning your home into theirs. Use this practical checklist to protect your property before the weather changes.

1) Seal gaps and entry points

Walk around your home and look for cracks, loose mortar, gaps around pipes, and damaged vents. Even a small hole can let mice or insects in. Seal gaps with exterior-grade filler, repair torn mesh, and fit fine mesh to vents to maintain airflow while blocking pests. Pay special attention to the roofline, soffits, and around the loft hatch.

2) Tidy the garden and exterior

Clear fallen leaves, trim vegetation back from walls, and move stacked items away from the house. Store firewood at least 5 metres from the property and off the ground. Secure compost lids and sweep up windfall fruit. A tidy perimeter removes food and shelter that attract rodents and insects.

3) Secure bins and food sources

Keep bin lids shut, rinse recycling, and avoid leaving pet food outside. Indoors, store dry goods in airtight containers and clean up crumbs quickly. Good hygiene removes the scent trails that pests follow and cuts off easy meals.

4) Check lofts, eaves, and roof spaces

Lofts are prime entry points in autumn. Look for gnaw marks, droppings, disturbed insulation, or buzzing sounds on warm afternoons. If you suspect activity, avoid disturbing the area and arrange an inspection. For insect issues around eaves, see our flying insect control.

5) Watch for seasonal insect trends

Cluster flies gather in roof voids and window frames as temperatures fall. Spiders wander indoors during the autumn mating season. Some wasp activity can persist into early autumn, especially around sweet foods and bins. If a nest is present, professional treatment is the safest option (do not seal the entry hole while active).

6) Be flea-aware (especially with pets)

Milder weather and increased pet activity can extend flea season into autumn. Regular vacuuming, washing pet bedding hot, and veterinary flea treatments help prevent problems. If you notice persistent bites around ankles or see signs of fleas in carpets, consider professional help.

7) Use safe deterrents and maintenance

  • Fit brush strips to the bottom of external doors.
  • Install door closers on kitchen and bin-store doors.
  • Run dehumidifiers in damp rooms; many pests prefer moisture.
  • Fix drips and leaks promptly.

8) Know when to call the experts

DIY steps are great for prevention, but infestations escalate quickly. If you’re hearing scratching in the loft, seeing repeated insect activity, or finding droppings indoors, book a professional survey. Our local team provides safe, effective treatments across Surrey and prevents re-entry.

Professional pest control for Surrey homes

Go2 Pest Control offers targeted services for the most common autumn issues. Explore our rodent control, house insect control, and flying insect control. Ready to pest-proof your property before the cold sets in? Contact us for a local inspection.

Quick checklist (print and keep)

  • Seal cracks, fit mesh to vents, and add brush strips to doors.
  • Tidy gardens, move firewood, secure compost and bins.
  • Store food airtight; clean crumbs and spills daily.
  • Inspect lofts and eaves for signs; don’t disturb active nests.
  • Treat pets and wash bedding hot to reduce fleas.
  • Book a professional survey if you spot droppings, damage, or repeated insect activity.

Helpful resources: Guidance on autumn pests and safe treatment options from the British Pest Control Association, and when to seek medical help for stings from the NHS.