It was a long summer, but it’s finally starting to feel like fall. Can you feel that crisp bite of fall air? It’s time to pull out the sweaters, carve some pumpkins, and start thinking about your holiday plans. Guess what else is important at this time of year? Getting your house ready to face the cooler temperatures.

Upon the housetop. This is the right time of year to check your roof for any loose shingles or other problems. Hire a handyman to repair shingles, or bring a roofer on board if the job is large. In addition to the shingles, the flashing seals around vents stacks and chimneys should also be in good repair. While you’re up there, clean out your gutters, to prevent water from backing up against your house and damaging it or causing leaks. This is also a great time to make sure your downspouts have extensions that divert water at least three or four feet away from your foundation.

Winter-proof your interior. Check for drafts, and use caulk to seal any leaks coming in around windows or doors. If you have window unit air conditioning units, use draft blockers to keep the warm air in and cold air out. While you’re at it, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so that they’ll push rising heat back into the room during the colder months. Fans should spin clockwise in winter and counterclockwise in summer.

Watch the water. Disconnect your hose and drain your exterior faucets, and consider hiring a professional to drain your sprinklers if you have an automatic sprinkler Make sure your pipes are properly insulated, and while you’re at it, protect your water heater by making sure it’s insulated as well.

Protect your plants. Take care of your perennials by adding more mulch, and use your lawnmower to mulch your lawn by mowing over leaves. When the leaves are chopped into tiny pieces and mixed into the grass, they’ll decompose and fertilize your lawn. If you’ve got young plants, be prepared to cover them with a blanket or plastic sheet on chilly nights, taking care to remove the plastic before the sun warms it up.

Make sure all systems go. Checking your heating system before cold weather hits is a great way to make sure you’ll stay warm all winter. Call in a professional for this job: for a relatively low fee, a technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to make sure that it’s in good repair, with no carbon monoxide leaks or other issues. Calling early means you have a better shot at an earlier appointment. Do your part, by replacing your filters regularly, and keeping your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order.

Consider upgrading your thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a smart investment because it efficiently controls your heating system and helps save energy and money. This kind of thermostat is a smart device that can be programmed to run the heating and cooling systems at different temperatures during the day. For example, it can below when you’re away, higher when you’re home and need it, and lower again when you’re sleeping. Check with your energy provider, as some utility companies offer their customers discounts on programmable thermostats, recognizing their advantages.

Use window treatments to your advantage. At night, having curtains or blinds can provide an extra layer between you and the cold. During the day, opening the curtains or blinds can let in the sun and warm your home naturally. Thermal drapes are a good choice if you’re trying to guard against a chill.

Check your chimney. If you have a fireplace, now is the time to have it serviced. Before you light your first fire, shine a flashlight up the chimney and see if it needs cleaning. If it does, call in a professional.

How do I prevent termites in Fall and Winter?

You might think that the cooler temperatures of fall and winter mean that you don’t need to think about termites. If you live in California, though, it’s important to be vigilant, even in the cooler times of the year. In a comfortable, heated house, you run the risk of swarming termites, even in the winter. What’s more, even if you don’t see signs of termite activity, they could be waiting for the spring. Take steps to protect your house against these pesky little intruders, by checking for rot, storing firewood away from the house, and enlisting the help of professionals.

Who do I call for termite control services?

At MightyMite Termite Services, we can help you keep your home safe from termites, no matter what time of year it is. We diagnose and treat infestations with the most effective methods and unmatched warranties, solving your termite problems the first time, with an industry-best “no call-back rate.” That, combined with our experience, technology, and highly trained professional staff, makes us the leading extermination company in the Bay Area. For more information, call us today at 408-377-3761, email info@mightymitetermite.com, or contact us through our website.