Issaquah Highlands Community Association
Shine a Light on Winter Safety
BY SUSAN CARLSON, IHCA Community Manager/Compliance Coordinator
During winter, shorter days and longer nights increase the risk of accidents and crime. Keeping lights on around your home enhances visibility and deters intruders. Use motionsensor or timer-controlled lights to save energy while maintaining safety. Well-lit entrances, walkways and driveways help prevent slips and falls. Inside, lighting rooms during evening hours provides a lived-in appearance, reducing burglary risks. A few simple lighting habits can significantly improve safety during the dark winter months.
Protect Your Yard Before Winter Strikes BY SARAH HOEY, IHCA Executive Director
Taking care of your landscaping and irrigation systems during the colder months helps ensure everything bounces back healthy and strong in the spring. With a little preparation, you can prevent damage from snow, ice and freezing temperatures while protecting the investment you’ve made in your outdoor spaces.
Landscaping Care When it comes to landscaping care, start by pruning wisely. Trim away dead or diseased branches to reduce the risk of breakage under heavy snow or ice. Protect young trees and shrubs by wrapping their trunks with burlap or tree guards, which shield them from frost damage and critter chewing. Adding a fresh layer of mulch is another simple step that goes a long way, insulating plant roots and helping the soil retain moisture. Finally, avoid heavy traffic on frozen or dormant lawns—footsteps, pets or equipment can all leave lasting damage.
Irrigation System Care Your irrigation system also needs attention before the first hard freeze. Shut off and drain the system early to prevent pipe bursts, and use compressed air to blow out underground sprinkler lines. Protect backflow preventers and exposed valves by wrapping them in foam covers or insulating tape. On warmer winter days, take a few minutes to visually check the system for leaks or frost damage so issues don’t go unnoticed until spring.
Extra Tips for Winter Success If the winter is dry and temperatures rise above freezing, give your plants a deep watering to keep them hydrated. Use winter downtime to plan for spring projects or new landscaping ideas, and be sure to choose pet- and plant-safe ice melt near landscaped areas to avoid salt damage.
BY DOUG OLIVEIRA President, Eagle Pest Eliminators
COMMUNITY CONNECT | FALL 2025
Inside Your Home n Insulate exposed pipes and keep water trickling in extreme cold n Replace furnace filters and schedule an HVAC check n Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors n Seal drafts with weatherstripping and draft stoppers n Clear gutters and check roof for damage n Remove heavy snow buildup from roofs n Keep walkways and driveways clear—use pet-safe ice melt
As fall approaches here in Western Washington, the cooler weather and damp conditions often drive pests like rodents, ants and spiders indoors. As the president of Eagle Pest Eliminators, I’ve seen how common fall pest issues can become when early steps aren’t taken.
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As temperatures start to drop, taking a few precautionary steps can help keep your home comfortable and your family safe.
Outside Your Home
Simple Steps to Protect Your Home from Fall Pests
This time of year, I recommend sealing up any small gaps around doors, windows and your home’s foundation. Keep gutters clear and ensure water drains away from the structure. Trim shrubs and tree branches back from the siding and store firewood away from the house. Indoors, be sure food is sealed and crumbs are cleaned up quickly.
COLD WEATHER CHECKLIST EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD FOLLOW
n Trim trees and shrubs away from siding and roof
Emergency Prep n Stock flashlights, batteries, blankets and shelf-stable food These simple steps can make a big difference. And if pests still find their way in, Eagle Pest Eliminators is here with trusted, proven and professional service to get things back on track.
n Keep phones charged and backup power ready n Have local emergency numbers handy