✈️ Dayton's Aviation Spirit Soars Again This Weekend!

🎉 Dayton events, featured parks, tasty recipes & hot home tips inside—don't miss out!

Alan Vandergrift

Trivia Question❓

What Dayton inventor developed the first explosion-proof electric motor approved by Underwriters Laboratories, designed specifically for operating gasoline pumps at filling stations

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton & Miami Valley Events

October 16–24, 2026 • All times Eastern

Check the linked organizer before attending, especially for outdoor events and ticket availability.

Friday, October 16, 2026

8:30–9:30 AM

Business Networking at Performance Wraps

Business / Networking / Community

Performance Wraps, 229 S. Third St., Miamisburg

Admission: Not specified

Weekly gathering for local business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs, featuring relationship-building and rotating discussion topics.

9:30–11:00 AM

Seasonal Craft with Winter's Library

Arts & Crafts / Community / Adults

Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District Headquarters, 2751 Washington Mill Rd., Bellbrook

Admission: Free; preregistration required

Enjoy a seasonal craft activity with instruction and materials provided through a community partnership.

12:00 PM–12:00 AM

Tsukicon 2026 — Friday

Anime / Convention / Cosplay

Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Admission: $45 Friday pass; $75 weekend pass

Dayton's anime convention opens with cosplay, artist exhibits, panels, performances and community activities.

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production; consult official listing for venue details

Admission: Ticketed; price varies

A theatrical performance presented as part of Dayton Live's October schedule.

Saturday, October 17, 2026

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Ohio Country Antiques Show

Antiques / Shopping / Collectibles

Youth Building, Clark County Fairgrounds, Springfield

Admission: $10 early entry 8–9 AM; $3 standard admission after 9 AM

Browse 30–40 dealers offering country antiques, stoneware, furniture, jewelry, textiles and folk art.

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

The Great American Electric Air Race

Aviation / Technology / Family-Friendly

Springfield–Beckley Municipal Airport, 1323 W. Blee Rd., Springfield

Admission: Free

Explore electric aviation through aircraft displays, flight demonstrations, exhibits and hands-on activities.

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

2026 Camden Black Walnut Festival

Fall Festival / Crafts / Family-Friendly

Lafayette and Bloomfield Streets, Camden

Admission: Not specified

Enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, a parade, car show, children's activities and live entertainment.

10:00–11:00 AM

Fall Tree Hike at Cinnamon Ridge Park

Outdoors / Nature / Family-Friendly

Cinnamon Ridge Park, 4244 Straight Arrow Rd., Beavercreek

Admission: Not specified

Take a guided one-mile hike and learn to identify local trees by their leaves, bark and branches.

10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Tsukicon 2026 — Saturday

Anime / Convention / Cosplay

Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Admission: $55 Saturday pass; $75 weekend pass

The convention continues with anime programming, vendors, cosplay, artists and performances.

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Fall Dayton Book Crawl! — Saturday

Books / Shopping / Community

Participating Dayton bookstores; starting location listed at 1400 E. Third St.

Admission: Not specified

Explore 11 participating bookstores, collect passport stamps and discover signings, giveaways and promotions.

12:00–5:00 PM

Harvest Fest

Fall Festival / Family-Friendly / Crafts

Downtown Piqua, 326 N. Main St.

Admission: Not specified

Downtown fall celebration featuring music, craft vendors, children's activities, food trucks and a pumpkin patch.

12:00–6:00 PM

Crafty Cardinal Vendor Fair

Shopping / Crafts / Community

Cardinal Hill Recreation Club, 1990 Wilene Dr., Beavercreek

Admission: Not specified

Browse a local vendor fair organized by Cardinal Hill Recreation Club.

2:00 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink — Matinee

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production; consult official listing for venue details

Admission: Ticketed

Afternoon performance of the October theatrical production.

3:50–5:10 PM

Harvest & Glow Festival — Heath Bowling Performance

Live Music / Outdoors / Fall Festival

Sycamore Trails Park, Miamisburg

Admission: Not specified

Acoustic performance featuring original songs and rock, grunge and country favorites.

4:00–11:00 PM

KYOSAI 2026

Live Music / Anime Culture / Adults 18+

Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main St., Dayton

Admission: $35 standalone; $10 weekend-pass add-on, per supplied pricing

Tsukicon's outdoor nighttime music gathering featuring electronic music and performances. Government-issued ID required.

5:00 PM

Dayton Dive Bar Tour

Nightlife / Bar Tour / Adults

Starts at The Barrel House, 415 E. Third St., Dayton

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

Travel with a group to four surprise Dayton dive bars. End time not specified.

6:00–7:15 PM

Bourbon Train

Food & Drink / Train Excursion / Adults

LM&M Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

Bourbon-themed train ride including two single-serving bourbon bottles and a light snack pairing.

6:45 PM

John Bryan State Park Stargaze

Outdoors / Astronomy / Nature

Playground parking lot before the Day Lodge, John Bryan State Park, Yellow Springs

Admission: Not specified

Join the Miami Valley Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing. Follow volunteer parking directions.

7:30 PM

Dayton Philharmonic: Hina & Fiona Play Saint-Saëns & Ravel

Classical Music / Orchestra

Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton

Admission: Ticketed; price varies

Keitaro Harada conducts the Dayton Philharmonic with violin duo Hina and Fiona in a program of orchestral works.

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink — Evening Performance

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Evening performance of the October theatrical production.

8:00 PM

Mamma Mania: The American Tribute to ABBA

Live Music / Tribute Concert

Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

An ABBA tribute show featuring familiar hits, costumes, harmonies and 1970s nostalgia.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Tsukicon 2026 — Final Day

Anime / Convention / Cosplay

Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Admission: $35 Sunday pass; $75 weekend pass

Final day of anime exhibits, cosplay, vendors and convention programming.

2:00 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Sunday matinee performance.

6:15–7:15 PM

Dayton Candlelight: Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Live Music / Halloween / Concert

Dayton Masonic Center, Dayton

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

A Halloween-themed concert performed in a candlelit setting.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

2026 Camden Black Walnut Festival — Sunday

Fall Festival / Crafts / Family-Friendly

Lafayette and Bloomfield Streets, Camden

Admission: Not specified

Second day of the community festival with vendors, food and entertainment. Sunday's exact hours were not confirmed.

Hours vary by retailer

Fall Dayton Book Crawl! — Sunday

Books / Shopping / Community

Participating Dayton bookstores

Admission: Not specified

The book crawl continues through Sunday, with participating stores offering special activities and passport stops.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Evening theatrical performance.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

8:30 AM–12:30 PM

LTR Wednesday Morning Volunteering at the Farm!

Volunteering / Community / Outdoors

Learning Tree Farm, 3376 S. Union Rd., Dayton

Admission: Volunteer opportunity; registration available

Help with animal care, gardening, cleaning and other farm tasks. Assignments vary each week.

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Evening theatrical performance.

Thursday, October 22, 2026

10:00 AM–1:00 PM

North Dayton Senior Expo

Community / Senior Resources / Health & Wellness

Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, Dayton

Admission: Free

Meet local organizations providing services, information and resources for older adults and their families.

6:00–8:00 PM

Monster Mash

Halloween / Family-Friendly / Community

Weidner Park, 137 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton

Admission: Not specified

West Carrollton's annual family Halloween celebration at Weidner Park.

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Evening theatrical performance.

Friday, October 23, 2026

8:00–9:30 AM

The Science & Showmanship of Great Training

Business / Professional Development / Education

Sinclair Community College, Centerville Campus

Admission: Registration required; price not specified

Explore interactive approaches to adult learning, including storytelling, movement, games and discussion.

8:30–9:30 AM

Business Networking at Performance Wraps

Business / Networking / Community

Performance Wraps, 229 S. Third St., Miamisburg

Admission: Not specified

Weekly relationship-focused networking session for local professionals and entrepreneurs.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Vintage Market Days of Dayton-Cincinnati — Friday

Vintage Market / Shopping / Crafts

Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

Shop approximately 130 vendors offering vintage goods, home décor, boutique clothing and handmade merchandise.

1:00–5:00 PM

Chippin' at the Firehouse — FREE Pet Microchips

Community / Pets & Animals / Free Services

Fire Station 51, 10899 Wood Rd., Miamisburg

Admission: Free microchipping for dogs and cats

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton and community partners offer free pet microchipping.

2:00–5:00 PM

Englewood Dam Open House & Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Community / History / Educational Tour

Englewood Dam, Englewood MetroPark

Admission: Not specified; registration encouraged but not required

Tour the dam, meet maintenance experts and learn about flood protection and the 1913 Flood.

4:00–8:00 PM

Beyond the Frame — Local Art Expo

Arts & Culture / Art Exhibition / Live Music

Witty Creations, 1515 Salem Ave., Dayton

Admission: Free

Discover local artists, purchase original artwork and enjoy music and refreshments.

6:30–9:00 PM

Movies in the Park: Casper

Family-Friendly / Outdoor Movie / Halloween

Village Green Park, 4599 Green Dr., Fairfield

Admission: Free

Bring blankets and lawn chairs for an outdoor screening of the Halloween-season family movie.

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Evening theatrical performance.

Saturday, October 24, 2026

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Vintage Market Days of Dayton-Cincinnati — Saturday

Vintage Market / Shopping / Crafts

Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

Browse curated vintage finds, handmade merchandise, furniture and boutique goods.

2:00–8:00 PM

Beyond the Frame — Local Art Expo (Day Two)

Arts & Culture / Art Exhibition / Live Music

Witty Creations, 1515 Salem Ave., Dayton

Admission: Free

The art celebration continues with local creators, artwork for sale, music and refreshments.

6:00–7:15 PM

Bourbon Train

Food & Drink / Train Excursion / Adults

LM&M Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon

Admission: Ticketed; price not specified

Enjoy a bourbon-themed train ride with two single-serving bourbon bottles and a light pairing.

7:30 PM

SALEM: Blood to Drink

Theater / Performing Arts

Dayton Live production

Admission: Ticketed

Saturday evening theatrical performance.

Featured Weekend Event

✈️ The Great American Electric Air Race: The Future

Pivotal BlackFly electric aircraft flying at Springfield-Beckley Airport in Ohio

of Flight Takes Off in Springfield!

Bull's Eye Bash: A precision-landing competition that tests pilots' ability to land accurately.
Circuit Dash: A speed-oriented flying challenge.
Milk Run: A team relay-style competition emphasizing coordination and communication.

The future of aviation is coming to the Miami Valley this weekend, and you won't want to miss it!

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport will host the Great American Electric Air Race, a unique aviation event featuring electric aircraft competitions, flight demonstrations, hands-on technology exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.

Imagine watching aircraft that can take off and land vertically without traditional runways, powered entirely by electricity. Now imagine seeing pilots compete in challenges designed to test their precision, speed, and flying skills.

That's what visitors can expect at this exciting event, hosted by the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE).

Best of all, the event is free and open to the public!

🏁 Seven Pilots, Three Aircraft, One Champion

The centerpiece of the day is a competition featuring seven pilots flying three Pivotal BlackFly electric aircraft.

Unlike traditional air races, where pilots simply race around a course, the Great American Electric Air Race features three distinct challenges:
These challenges demonstrate the performance and capabilities of emerging electric aviation technology.

Throughout the day, spectators can also enjoy aircraft exhibitions and other aviation demonstrations.

🚁 What Makes These Aircraft Special?

The BlackFly represents a different approach to personal aviation.

Instead of relying on a conventional airplane runway or helicopter rotor system, this electrically powered aircraft uses multiple propellers and a distinctive design to achieve vertical takeoff and landing.

Aircraft like these belong to a growing field known as Advanced Air Mobility, or AAM.

The technology could eventually help transform transportation by enabling new types of aircraft for passenger travel, cargo delivery, emergency response, and other applications.

Although many of these technologies are still developing, events like the Great American Electric Air Race give the public an opportunity to see how far electric aviation has progressed.
And there's something particularly appropriate about watching the next generation of aviation technology take shape in the Dayton-Springfield region, an area with a remarkable history of aviation innovation.

🎡 More Than Just an Air Race

Even if you're not an aviation enthusiast, there will be plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Visitors can enjoy:

Classic aircraft displays: See airplanes from aviation's Golden Age alongside today's electric aircraft.
Meet the pilots: Talk with the people flying these unusual machines.
BlackFly flight simulator: Try a simulator experience presented with Sinclair College.
Helicopter rides: Higher Ground Helicopters will offer scenic flights over the airport and surrounding area.
STEM activities: Explore hands-on aviation and technology exhibits.
Flying Car video game: Experie
nce an interactive look at future transportation.
Family entertainment: Enjoy food trucks, live music, bounce houses, face painting, and other activities.

A free FAA TRUST certificate course for recreational drone pilots ages 13 and older is also scheduled.

🛩️ Why Springfield Is the Perfect Location

The Dayton-Springfield region has been associated with aviation innovation since the days of the Wright brothers.

Today, Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport is becoming an important center for advanced aviation research and development.

The National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence provides facilities where companies can develop, test, and demonstrate emerging aircraft technologies.

The air race is part of a larger three-day aviation program running October 15–17, bringing toget
her aerospace companies, researchers, government representatives, and aviation enthusiasts.

It's another example of how the Miami Valley continues to play a role in shaping the future of flight.

📍 Plan Your Visit

✈️ Event: Great American Electric Air Race
📅 Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
🕐 Time: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Location: National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence
🏢 Address: 1323 W. Blee Road, Springfield, OH 45502
🎟️ Admission: FREE🌧️ Rain Date:
Sunday, October 18, 2026
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly: Yes

Official Event Website:
Great American Electric Air Race — Event Information

Free Registration:
Register for the Great American Electric Air Race

Some optional activities, such as helicopter rides, may have separate charges. Check with the organizers for details.

💡 Our Tip

Arrive early to make the most of your visit!

Getting there in the morning gives you time to explore the aircraft displays, meet the pilots, and enjoy the interactive exhibits before the day's competitions get underway.

Bring the kids or grandkids. The flight simulator, STEM activities, and unusual aircraft provide a wonderful opportunity to introduce younger visitors to the excitement of aviation.

Since much of the event takes place outdoors, dress for October weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

A Pivotal BlackFly electric aircraft during flight testing at Springfield-Beckley Airport in July 2024.
Photo: U.S. Air Force / Matthew Clouse

Featured Park

James P. Amon Biodiversity Reserve

Featured Park

🍁 James P. Amon Biodiversity Reserve: A Hidden Wetland Wonderland

Sometimes the most beautiful places in the Miami Valley are the ones you've driven past without realizing they're there.

Tucked away along New Germany Trebein Road near Fairborn, the James P. Amon Biodiversity Reserve offers visitors an opportunity to experience one of Greene County's remarkable natural treasures.

This approximately 56-acre preserve is part of the Beaver Creek Wetlands corridor, a network of protected natural areas that provide important habitat for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.

Unlike larger recreational parks filled with playgrounds and sports fields, this reserve is dedicated to something different: protecting nature and giving visitors a peaceful place to experience it.

🦆 A Paradise for Birdwatchers

One of the reserve's most impressive features is its expansive freshwater marsh.

The combination of open water, wetland vegetation, and surrounding prairie creates excellent habitat for wildlife.

Visitors may spot ducks, herons, songbirds, and other species depending on the season.

A bird blind and observation areas provide opportunities to watch wildlife without disturbing it.

Fall is an especially interesting time to visit because migrating birds use Ohio's wetlands as resting and feeding areas during their journeys south.

🌾 Explore the Wetlands and Prairie

Walking through the reserve offers a different experience from a typical wooded hiking trail.

Here, visitors can explore a landscape of tall grasses, marshes, open water, and seasonal wildflowers.

Trails and boardwalk sections help visitors experience the wetlands while protecting sensitive habitats.

In October, the prairie grasses begin turning golden, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sky and surrounding wetland vegetation.

Bring a camera or binoculars. You never know what you might discover.

🌿 A Conservation Success Story

The reserve is protected and maintained through the work of the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring wetlands in Greene County.

These wetlands serve several important purposes beyond providing beautiful scenery.

They help filter water, provide wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, and contribute to the health of the surrounding watershed.

The James P. Amon Biodiversity Reserve demonstrates how local conservation efforts can protect valuable natural areas for future generations.

📍 Plan Your Visit

🌳 Location: New Germany Trebein Road, near Fairborn, Ohio
🎟️ Admission: FREE
🚶 Activities: Nature walks, birdwatching, wildlife photography and quiet outdoor exploration
🦆 Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers and families interested in exploring local wildlife
🥾 What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars and a camera
🌧️ Trail Conditions: Some areas may be muddy after rain

More Information:
Beaver Creek Wetlands Association

💡 Our Tip

Visit in the morning when birds are often most active.

Take your time exploring the observation areas and watch for movement along the water's edge.

This isn't a park where you need to rush from one attraction to another. It's a place to slow down and appreciate the natural world.

If you're bringing children or grandchildren, encourage them to listen for bird calls, watch for insects and look for signs of wildlife along the trail.

🌟 Why It's Worth Visiting

The James P. Amon Biodiversity Reserve reminds us that you don't have to travel far from Dayton to discover remarkable natural scenery.

Whether you're looking for a quiet fall walk, hoping to photograph wildlife, or simply want to discover somewhere new, this little-known preserve is worth adding to your list.

And there's something especially enjoyable about exploring a peaceful wetland on a crisp October morning, surrounded by golden grasses and the sounds of migrating birds.

Sometimes the best fall adventures are hiding right in our own backyard!

Recipe of the Week

This Week's Recipe

🍎 Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

There's something special about the flavors of fall. Fresh apples, warm spices, and hearty home-cooked meals seem to taste even better when the temperatures start dropping.

This week's recipe combines juicy, pan-seared pork chops with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Add roasted sweet potatoes, and you've got a delicious seasonal dinner that feels special enough for Sunday but is easy enough for a weeknight.

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕐 Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
⭐ Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pork Chops and Glaze:

4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 medium apple, thinly sliced

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1½ tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.

2. Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Sear the Pork Chops
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the pork chops and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Cooking time will vary with thickness.

Remove the chops to a plate. They will finish cooking in the sauce.

4. Make the Apple Cider Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the apple cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and thyme to the skillet.

Stir well, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the sliced apples and simmer for 4–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

5. Finish Cooking
Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.

Spoon the glaze over the chops and simmer until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Remove from the heat and let the pork rest for at least 3 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Place a pork chop on each plate, spoon the warm apple cider glaze and tender apples over the top, and serve with roasted sweet potatoes.

For a complete fall dinner, add steamed green beans or a simple garden salad.

🍁 Make It Your Own

Prefer chicken? Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully with the apple cider glaze. Cook chicken to 165°F.

Want extra apple flavor? Add a second sliced apple to the skillet.

Like a sweeter glaze? Stir in another teaspoon of maple syrup.

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness.

🧊 Leftover Tips

Store leftover pork chops and sweet potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat the pork gently in a covered skillet with a splash of apple cider or broth to help keep it moist.

The sweet potatoes can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore their lightly crisp edges.

💡 Recipe Tip: Don't Overcook the Pork

One of the secrets to tender, juicy pork chops is using a meat thermometer.

Pork chops can dry out quickly when cooked too long. For the best results, cook them to 145°F, then allow them to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

The result is flavorful, tender pork that pairs perfectly with the apple cider glaze.

🍎 Why We Love This Recipe

Apple cider and pork chops are a classic autumn combination, and this recipe brings those flavors together without requiring complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

The sweetness of the cider and apples balances the savory pork, while the roasted sweet potatoes add warmth and color to the plate.

It's the kind of dinner that makes the house smell wonderful and brings everyone to the table.

Our tip: Pick up some fresh Ohio apple cider from a local orchard or farm market this weekend. It makes the glaze especially delicious—and gives you a little extra cider to enjoy afterward!

A simple, satisfying taste of autumn right on your dinner table!

Home Tips

This Week's Home Tips

🍂 7 Smart Ways to Keep Fall Pests Out of Your Home

As temperatures begin to drop across the Miami Valley, we're not the only ones looking for a warm, comfortable place to spend the colder months.

Mice, spiders, ants, and other unwanted visitors may begin searching for shelter inside our homes. And once they find a cozy hiding place, they can be difficult to remove.

The good news? A little preventive maintenance now can make your home much less inviting to pests this fall and winter.

Here are seven simple things you can do this October to help keep unwanted guests outside where they belong.

🐭 1. Seal Small Gaps Around Your Home

You might be surprised how small an opening a mouse needs to enter your house.

A mouse can squeeze through a gap about the width of a pencil, making even tiny openings around your foundation, siding, or utility pipes potential entry points.

Walk around your home's exterior and look for cracks, holes, and gaps where cables or plumbing enter the building.

What to do: Seal small openings with appropriate pest-resistant materials, such as metal mesh combined with exterior-grade sealant. Use materials suitable for larger gaps and avoid blocking necessary ventilation.

Our tip: Pay special attention to areas where the foundation meets the siding. These are common places for small gaps to develop.

🚪 2. Check Your Door Sweeps and Weatherstripping

A worn door sweep can leave a surprisingly large opening beneath an exterior door.

Not only does that gap allow cold air to enter, but it can also provide an easy entrance for mice and insects.

Check the bottoms of your exterior doors, especially garage entry doors, basement doors, and doors leading to patios.

What to do: Replace damaged weatherstripping and install a properly fitted door sweep wherever you notice daylight beneath a closed door.

Bonus benefit: Sealing these gaps can also help reduce drafts and improve your home's energy efficiency during winter.

🪵 3. Move Firewood Away From the House

There's nothing quite like a warm fire on a chilly October evening.

But storing firewood directly against your house can create a welcoming hiding place for insects, spiders, and rodents.

Wood piles provide shelter from the weather, and pests can easily move from the pile into nearby openings in your home's exterior.

What to do: Store firewood off the ground and away from your house whenever possible.

Bring inside only the amount you plan to burn soon, rather than keeping a large stack indoors.

Our tip: Inspect logs before carrying them inside. You may discover spiders or other insects hiding between pieces of wood.

🍁 4. Clear Leaves and Debris Near Your Foundation

Fall leaves are beautiful, but piles of damp leaves around your home can create ideal hiding places for pests.

Rodents, insects, and other small creatures often seek shelter beneath leaves, boards, and yard debris.

When those hiding places are right next to your foundation, pests have an easier opportunity to find openings into your house.

What to do: Rake leaves away from the foundation, remove unnecessary yard debris, and keep shrubs trimmed so they don't press against your siding.

Bonus tip: Keep mulch from piling up against wooden siding and maintain a visible gap between soil or mulch and vulnerable exterior materials.

🍪 5. Don't Leave Easy Meals for Unwanted Visitors

Food is one of the biggest attractions for pests.

A few crumbs behind the toaster, an open bag of pet food, or a loosely closed cereal box can provide a convenient meal for mice and insects.

Take a few minutes to inspect your pantry, kitchen cabinets, and pet-feeding areas.

What to do: Store dry foods in tightly sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Our tip: Don't forget the garage. Bags of birdseed, grass seed, and pet food stored there can attract rodents, too.

💧 6. Eliminate Moisture Problems

Pests need water just like we do.

Leaky pipes, damp basements, clogged gutters, and standing water can make your home more attractive to insects and other unwanted visitors.

Inspect areas beneath sinks, around basement walls, and near appliances that use water.

What to do: Repair leaks promptly, keep gutters draining properly, and use a dehumidifier in damp basement areas when needed.

Bonus benefit: Controlling excess moisture can also help prevent mold growth and protect your home's structure.

📦 7. Declutter Your Garage and Basement

Garages and basements are popular hiding places for pests because they often contain boxes, stored belongings, and quiet corners that rarely get disturbed.

Cardboard boxes and piles of old newspapers can provide nesting material and shelter for mice.

What to do: Replace cardboard storage boxes with sturdy plastic containers that have secure lids.

Keep stored items organized and, when practical, raised off the floor so you can inspect the area beneath them.

Our tip: While organizing, look for signs of rodent activity such as droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded nesting materials.

If you find droppings, avoid sweeping or vacuuming them dry. Follow CDC guidance for safe cleanup, including wetting the material with an appropriate disinfectant before removal.

⏱️ Your 20-Minute Fall Pest Prevention Checklist

You don't need to spend an entire weekend pest-proofing your home.

Start with these five quick tasks:

Check exterior doors for gaps and damaged weatherstripping.
Inspect the foundation for small openings.
Move leaves and debris away from the house.
Make sure pantry foods and pet food are sealed.
Look for moisture or leaks in the basement.

These simple steps can make a big difference as the weather turns colder.

💡 One More Tip: Be Careful With Pest Control Products

If you discover signs of pests, focus first on finding and eliminating the conditions that attracted them.

Avoid placing poison or pesticides where children, pets, or wildlife could come into contact with them.

If you use a pest control product, follow its label instructions carefully. For persistent infestations, consider contacting a qualified pest control professional.

Remember: Preventing pests from entering your home is usually easier than dealing with an infestation later.

🏡 Why It Matters

As the leaves change and cooler weather settles over the Miami Valley, a little home maintenance can help prevent unwanted surprises.

By sealing entry points, removing food sources, and keeping storage areas clean, you can make your home less attractive to mice, insects, and other pests looking for a warm winter shelter.

The best part? Most of these tasks cost very little and can be completed in an afternoon.

Our advice: Take advantage of a pleasant October weekend to give your home a quick pest-prevention inspection.

Keep the cozy fall atmosphere inside—and the unwanted critters outside!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

George H. Leland arrived in Dayton in 1918 to work on aircraft components for Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO). A largely self-taught engineer, he went on to file more than 150 patents and founded Leland Electric. His innovations also included important developments in electromechanical devices, including solenoids.