When the weather outside turns cold, you want to stay inside your warm home. Unfortunately, so do the many insects and other pests that usually spend most of their time outside. Once these unwanted guests take up residence in your home during the winter, they can tear up insulation, chew into electrical wires, leave unpleasant odors here and there, and much more. To prevent these and other problems, here are some tips for keeping pests out of your home during the winter months.
Seal Up Cracks and Holes
Just before cold weather sets in, seal up all cracks and holes on the outside of your home. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes and utilities enter your home since these are prime spots for pests to enter. If you think some holes and cracks are too small to bother with, consider that house mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime.
To seal up small cracks and holes, you can typically find a caulk specific for the type of material the crack or hole is in. Typically, people use a caulking gun to make the application process a bit easier. Once you apply the caulk, you can wipe it down with your finger to smooth it down. Additionally, if you’re concerned about excess caulk that dried on, you can use sandpaper to smooth it down, if needed.
Trim Trees and Shrubbery
If you have trees and bushes close enough to your home that they may be touching your roof or other parts of your home, trim these back substantially before winter weather arrives. If you don't, you're giving various insects, mice, and other pests a bridge to walk straight into your home as the temperature drops outside.
To trim trees or shrubbery, you can use pruning scissors for the small pieces that are touching your home. For bigger branches that require a chain saw, it may be a good idea to contact a professional to ensure that the branches don’t fall into your home and ruin your home during the removal process.
Keep Basements and Attics Clean and Dry
Pest spraying and other services common to companies such as Skeeter Beater, can typically prevent your home from being habitable for insects. However, pest control services are only part of the solution. For many insects and pests, damp basements, attics, and crawlspaces are perfect spots to ride out the winter. With that in mind, it’s ideal to maintain a pest-free environment by keeping areas dry. In some environments, a dehumidifier may help prevent pest problems.
In addition to using a dehumidifier, it’s also ideal to decrease clutter or build-up of items that may be a good hiding place for pests. For example, cardboard boxes with holes in them that are full of china wrapped in newspaper is the perfect place for almost every type of pest.
Store Firewood Away from Your Home
When cold weather arrives and you start using your wood stove or fireplace, it may be tempting to store your firewood close to your home, or even bring quite a bit of it inside. While it may not be fun to walk outside and have a cold wind hit you in the face as you gather firewood, keeping it stored away from your home will lessen the chances you'll have mice, spiders, and other pests sitting by your fire as well.
For best results, store your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home, and also keep it at least six inches off the ground. Oftentimes, homeowners will create a mini hut with a wood roof on top of it so rain or snow doesn’t ruin the wood. However, some homeowners use a tarp, which makes it easier for pests to hide in the wood. With that in mind, I’d also recommend avoiding tarps that directly touch the wood stacks.
Besides hiring a professional pest control company, there are many things that you can do to also help prevent your home from being the home of insects and other pests during the winter months. By implementing these tips prior to and during the winter months, you'll have an easier time maintaining a pest-free home for you and your family can enjoy.
