Pest Control Tips for Winter
Insects and rodents find warmth and shelter however they can in the winter months. Often this means creeping inside well-insulated homes for the cold season. Although many pests go dormant for the winter, proper pest control measures protect homes from exposure to insects and rodents. Keep in mind, the key to winter pest control is prevention.
Simple steps you can take to prevent insects from making a home inside your house:
While many insects go dormant over the winter, others migrate inside to seek protective shelter. Therefore ants, roaches, and other pests may become more common sights during colder weather. Here are some simple steps can keep these insects from making a home in your house:
- Seal holes on the outside of the house, where insects may gain entry. Smaller holes can be patched with caulk or spackle, while larger ones may require concrete to fill.
- Check around baseboards and inside cabinets for cracks and crevices that could hide six-legged occupants, and fill holes accordingly.
- Remove sources of food and water, which include dishes in the sink and crumbs inside cabinets.
- Mulch and firewood outside hold moisture, making them popular hiding places for insects and rodents. Store these at least two feet from exterior walls.
- If insects continue to invade, consider using a natural pest repellant to deter their entry. In conjunction with a sonic pest controller, these repellants will significantly decrease the incidence of pests in the home.
- Trim hedges and trees in close proximity to the house. The branches can provide an easy path to the house for insects.
Tips to keep Rodents from Moving in:
Mice and other rodents are not capable of going dormant for the winter. Most seek a warmer shelter.
- To prevent squirrels and other animals from roosting in the eaves or attic, repair and patch any holes or other damage.
- Clean out gutters and overhangs, where rodents can also build their nests.
- Store yard waste like leaves and moss away from the house prior to disposal. These materials are popular nesting materials.
- Keep birdseed in a sealed metal container. Mice can gnaw through plastic and eat seeds.
- Common entry points are around pipes, where small cracks are frequently just large enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Block holes with steel wool.
