It would be easy to assume most pests are less active during the winter, but that’s entirely the case. In fact, most pests will attempt to find refuge during the winter, and that refuge more often than not ends up being your home.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent these uninvited guests from entering your home, because in some of these cases, once they’re in it can be hard to get them to leave.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. – Charles R. Swindoll
Cracks and holes are immediate concerns
Rodents, cockroaches, and other small pests can easily nibble and squeeze through small holes as a way to get in, especially through wood, drywall, and cardboard – so don’t assume placing a box full of stuff in front of a hole in the wall will solve the issue.
Fixing these issues should be a first priority, because it already cuts short most ways pests can enter your home during the winter.
Watch for wires and other chew marks
Rodents are especially guilty of this, so always pay attention to any chew marks in wires, drywall, and cardboard, as these indicate the presence of pests who were either trying to get in, or already have.
Firewood
Firewood tends to attract pests since it provides a bit of shelter from the cold, so it’s advised to store firewood somewhat far from your home – at least 20 feet away if at all possible. This has to be done because pests that lodge into firewood will quickly discover there’s a perfectly warm home right beside it and will attempt to get inside.
Likewise, if you’re storing firewood outside, inspect it for pests before bringing it inside.
Inspect your vents and air ducts
Small animals like raccoons and mice can get inside your home by ventilation ducts and even the chimney in some cases. It’s fairly common to find animals in vents, as they can often get inside and get stuck with no way out. The best way to prevent this is to make sure every entrance is covered in some way, but if you hear noises or bad odor coming from the vents, it might be worth checking to see if someone has found a way in.
Install screens over chimney vents and openings
Chimneys can also serve as a way inside your home by animals desperately seeking shelter from the cold. A good prevention tactic is to install screens or caps that allow the chimney to continue working properly, but stops the entrance of any pests.
Watch for mold growth
Excessive humidity can lead to mold growth (which is already a problem on its own), but many pests will also seek humid and warm environments to nest. If you notice mold growth in a certain area, you should also be wary of any pests that might have already lurked their way into the same area.
Dusting and vacuuming
Spiders and mites are much smaller, but still bothersome little pests that can cause issues when they decide to move in with you. Spiders tend to stick to their own and rarely show themselves, but they can hide inside shoes and clothing and will attack when threatened.
It’s almost impossible to completely stop these pests from entering your home, but you can make it hard for them to settle in. Vacuum your home frequently so that mites feel unwelcomed, and dust around corners and inside closets to make sure spiders never feel too safe inside them.
Dispose of garbage quickly
Garbage attracts all sorts of pests, from raccoons to cockroaches. It’s basically free food, so naturally they tend to stick close to the source in order to return for new rations every so often. Mice, for example, will often nest near food pantries where they can gnaw some packs open.
Avoid leaving trash cans inside your home, and dispose of organics swiftly to avoid calling attention of nearby pests.
Call a professional pest removal service
If you find yourself struggling with pests, don’t hesitate to call a professional. They will know the best, most effective and humane way to remove pests from your premises, as well as giving you tips to prevent further problems in the future.
Having trouble with pests in your home? Get free quotes from a pest control professional in your area today!
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