It’s the time of year to be cozy here in New England. With temperatures plummeting and snow on the ground, you might be spending a lot of time inside your home. It’s only logical that in this time of year we see an increase in some unwanted house guests: rodents and insects who also want to start warm in the winter months! From mice to termites to squirrels, all types of creatures can make their way into your house during the winter — leaving a trail of destruction. Let’s talk about how you can keep your home pest-free this winter.
Winter Pest Problems
Pests can cause problems in a home any time of year but winter is a very common time for them to do so. Why?
Those that don’t hibernate are searching for food and shelter in the winter months, both of which they can easily find in your home. You want to be warm and toasty indoors, so do they!
When you brought live greenery inside for the holiday season, like wreaths and trees, did you inspect it for the spiders, moths, and other pests that like to nest in greens?
That fireplace sure is cozy! But you should leave the firewood outside unless you inspect it for pests before bringing it indoors.
In addition to food and shelter, with the dry air, pests are searching for moisture. Just like us, pests and insects need water to survive and they can often find it in your bathroom or kitchen.
Potential Dangers of House Pests
Aside from the fact that pests indoors are simply a nuisance and are invading your personal space, there are serious threats they pose to you and your family that go beyond headaches.
Structural damage - Lots of cold weather pests like rats and raccoons can cause serious structural damage to walls and electrical wiring as they gnaw through a house looking for food or warmth.
Spreading disease - Mice and and other pests can carry diseases like Hantavirus and Salmonella which will make family members sick if contracted.
Mess - Even if the problem doesn’t escalate to structural damage or disease, rodents are still capable of creating a big mess for you to clean up. It’s not fun to find animal droppings in your belongings or torn-through items.
If you ever suspect an infestation of any kind of pest, you should call a professional exterminator immediately.
Here are some steps you can take to be proactive in preventing a pest problem this winter:
Take out the trash as often as you can.
Keep food sealed in air-tight containers.
Clean up food and beverage messes, including crumbs and residue, immediately after spills or cooking.
Check for vulnerable spots around your house. Even the smallest of openings are easy access points for pests.
Seal gaps, cracks, and holes around the house. Install weather stripping around windows and doors. Seal interior holes and gaps with good quality caulking or protective sealent.
Check for broken vents on the home’s exterior. Repair any loose siding or shingles.
If you have a chimney, consider a chimney cap to stop creatures from entering from above.
Clean gutters regularly to avoid pooling water—the perfect breeding ground for some insects.
Keep areas clear of clutter where mice and other creatures like to hide. It’s time to clean out those closets!
Follow the preventative measures we’ve provided above and if these critters still manage to make their way into your living space, take immediate action.