The Keys to Winter Pest-Proofing
How to Keep the Warmth In and the Pests Out
When winter approaches you will notice the decrease or absence of mosquitoes, flying insects, bees, and ants. Most people associate these pests with fall and summer, a nuisance to outdoor lifestyle, and are happy that the wintry weather brings welcome relief from their bites and stings. But a lack of flying pests does not mean a lack of all pests during the winter.
While we are used to seeing bugs fly and buzz around in the summer, we do not notice the mice or roaches that crawl through our home during the winter. These pests are seeking shelter from cold weather, and unfortunately our warm homes have the tendency cozy to them too. You’ll need to take preventative measures to keep pests out for the reason that they can result in more hazards than just cobwebs in the corner. Rodents are known to carry diseases such as for example Salmonella and Hantavirus, certain spiders can bite, leading to serious unwanted side effects, and cockroaches is definitely a trigger for asthma and allergies.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers several tips that every homeowner can use to help prevent these winter pests from gaining access to your house.
- Close cracks and holes on the outside of your home that can help prevent rodents from getting inside. Don’t forget to check the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. A mouse can fit through a hole the actual size of a dime.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Store firewood more than 20 feet out from the home. Mice and ants tend to make their nests inside wood piles and simply obtain access to your residence in the event that the pile is nearby.
- Rodents can hide in clutter, therefore keep storage locations clear cut, and store cardboard boxes off of the floor.
- Eliminate all moist sites, such as dripping pipes and clogged drains. Extra attention should be paid to kitchens and bathrooms since these areas are especially vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
- Install door sweeps and repair broken screens in windows.
- Screen vents to chimneys. Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry.
- Winter brings enough worry about home damage with wind, snow and freeze. Following these tips can help reduce the likelihood of the house experiencing other seasonal problems due to pests. When winter pests are kept outdoors, your home becomes a healthier place to host holiday parties and spend time with family, and that is what the season should be all about.
If you think you have a pest infestation, speak to a pest professional at Truly Green Pest Control 816-377-28911
