What must be done at the cottage in October: cleaning, insulation, prevention of breakdowns in winter, mouse pads

October at the cottage is a crucial month: the quality of autumn work depends on how easily the site will survive the frosts and how troublesome the spring will be. Right now, it is important to thoroughly clean the house and yard, protect engineering systems from the cold and prepare everything to minimize damage from snow, moisture and rodents. What work cannot be postponed and how to secure housing and garden buildings — in the Izvestia material.

General cleaning of the plot and garden

The first step to a peaceful winter is a thorough cleaning. It is necessary to collect and remove all plant residues: dry grass, fallen leaves, tops and weeds. It is better to burn them immediately or put them in specially prepared compost — the remains can attract pests and provoke the development of diseases. It is important to check that there is no debris, seasonal supports, excess materials and decorations on the site. ​

Sanitary pruning is carried out in the garden: diseased and dry branches are removed, and plants are thinned. Formative pruning of trees is done in the spring, and now they are limited to removing damaged areas to prevent the spread of infections during thaws. At the same time, garden structures, supports and fences are being put in order, bricks and planks are being removed. It is advisable to mark all beds and flower beds with pegs or signs — in the spring it will be easier to navigate.

Insulation, repair and prevention of breakdowns

Before freezing, you need to check the strength of the house, outbuildings, fence and greenhouse. Special attention is paid to the roof: they remove debris, fallen leaves, inspect drains for durability and absence of blockages. Leaky and rotten boards on the terrace or veranda need to be replaced in advance. They check the tightness of windows and doors, if necessary, insulate them with seals or glue a special tape. The underground and attics are the main loopholes for the cold, they need to be additionally insulated.

It is worth turning off the water completely: drain the liquid from outdoor barrels, heating systems, pipes, hoses, bath tanks and the pool to prevent rupture during freezing. Sewer drains, siphons, and faucets are treated with non-freezing liquids. The power supply is switched off whenever possible. If cameras or alarms are working, check the quality of the wiring, install stabilizers. Gas cylinders are taken away or blocked, valves are fixed.

After drying, tools, hoses and pots are put away in a dry room, where they will be protected from snow and moisture.

Protection from mice and other rodents

The main problem of wintering dachas is the invasion of mice and rats. In October, it is important to spread modern tools around the house and sheds: poison, adhesive mats, ultrasonic traps. All products (cereals, biscuits, seeds) must be taken home — winter rodents will spoil any supplies. Special attention is paid to all basements, storerooms and sheds. You can also set traps there or scatter poison in secluded places.

To protect the trunks of fruit trees from mice and hares, they are tied with a metal mesh or lapnik to the height of the snow. The ground around it should be tamped down to make it harder for rodents to get close.

Preparation of greenhouses, flower beds and perennials

After harvesting, the greenhouse is cleared of dried residues, washed and disinfected. Cracks and crevices are repaired, weak points are strengthened. It is advisable to dig up the earth inside in large lumps, leave the entrances open — autumn snow, which can be thrown inside, works as a natural disinfectant and will become an additional source of moisture in the spring.

Grapes, blackberries, and climbing roses are covered in the garden, and the maiden grapes are pruned. They plant winter garlic and bulbous flowers, if desired— onions. Garden paths and tiles are cleaned of excess soil to avoid ice and injury in winter.

Security and security check of property

Before final departure, be sure to check the integrity of all locks and windows, close the utility rooms, cellar, garage and well. All valuable items, as well as combustible materials and gardening tools, should be taken home or hidden away. Experts advise against leaving figurines, lanterns, a pool and other decorations on the site — they can become easy prey for thieves and mice.

Having spent only a few autumn days on thorough preparation, summer residents save a lot of time, effort and money in the spring, and the plot and the house will be reliably protected from frost, moisture, rodents and unexpected troubles.