As the weather changes and the cold air brings everyone indoors, you may not be the only one enjoying the warmth of your home. Many types of pests need to find shelter during the winter to survive. As the fall season grows colder, these pests will be naturally attracted to your warm home. However, by following a few important strategies, you can fortify your home against insects and enjoy peace of mind.
Outlined below are five successful tips for pest-proofing your home or business premises.
- Install door sweeps
One of the best ways to exclude rodents and insects from your home is to add door sweeps. A half-inch gap under most exterior doors is wide enough to allow access to most pests. Door sweeps provide a buffer between the door gap and the floor. Door sweeps are important in controlling air movement, allowing less warm air out and keeping cold air out. A door sweep is a simple, cost-effective way to keep pests and rodents out and control air movement.
- Seal up your home
Thoroughly inspect the outside of your home for any openings, being sure to look around corners, near gutters, along your foundation, alongside doors and windows, and even on your roof. Inlets such as windows, HVAC vents, torn window screens, chimneys, pipes, holes, and gaps are an easy way in for any insect in search of a warm place to wait out the winter. Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure. Some rodents can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
- Keep your home neat and clean
A well-maintained home is less likely to be affected by pests. Most insects, particularly rodents, are attracted to clutter and untidiness that builds up because it offers the prospect of food and great places to hide. Pests are attracted to food sources in your kitchen area and might contaminate your food with diseases if left uncovered. Make sure to wipe your countertops and clean up leftover food or crumbs daily. Thus, you should:
- Build a habit of keeping the kitchen counter clean & storing food in airtight containers.
- Eliminate moisture sites, such as leaky faucets and pipes.
- Wipe crumbs and spills promptly off the floor.
- Keep the yard clean
The Fall season also means it is time to get your yard ready for pest control. A clean yard eliminates the pest’s potential hiding places and keeps your home & your family safe. Keep the following tips in mind as autumn approaches.
- Trim branches that approach your home
- Clean out the gutters
- Drain all water from hoses, outdoor swimming pools, or fountains
- Prune trees and shrubs
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home
- Seal windows & repair screens
Old windows are particularly vulnerable for bug invasions because the caulk around the frames has shrunk, the panes themselves fit loosely, or the screens have holes. Caulk works well for smaller cracks, but if they’re large, you may need to use expanding foam. Use clear nail polish to mend smaller tears. You can also weave a larger piece of cut screen over bigger holes, or even replace the mesh on the screen entirely.
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Following these simple steps will help keep your home free of pests through the autumn and beyond. If you are wondering what else you can do, contacting a pest control professional is the best option to prevent infestations of any kind and in any season. Call the trained specialists to handle your pest control job and keep your home and family safe.