Winter Pest Control Tips

Short days and chilling temperatures induce pests to find their way into your home, where they’ll be sniffing around for shelter, warmth and food. Aside from being a nuisance, these pests -whether they are insects or furry animals – can also pose serious health risks.

Rodents – such as mice and rats – are capable of spreading up to 35 diseases through direct contact, or through feces, urine, saliva or bites . According to the National Pest Management Association, rodents invade about 21 million homes in America every winter, squeezing through spaces as small as a nickel. Cockroach feces, saliva and body parts can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms, especially where children are concerned. Spiders may attack and bite when they’re hiding spots are discovered.

Being proactive is the best way to protect your home from unwanted pests; the best way to get your abode prepped for winter is to be sure to conduct a thorough check of possible pest routes, then performing any maintenance steps. The following easy tips can help prevent any pests from entering your space during the wintertime.

• SEARCH FOR HOLES AND GAPS THROUGHOUT YOUR PROPERTY: Whether you find them around furniture or in the corners, cover holes and gaps with protective sealant or caulk to ensure pests who may be searching for a comfortable place inside your home. Be sure to also keep an eye out around windows and doors to be sure potential infestations are thwarted, by sealing them up.
• KEEP GUTTERS CLEAN: An abundance of leaves, branches and other debris and muck in your gutters will attract pests who are looking for warm places to nest and breed. Be sure to clean these before it gets too chilly outside, ensuring that your home is less susceptible to winter pest pressures.
• HOSE DOWN PLANTS THOROUGHLY: If you’re planning on bringing your outdoor plants inside during the winter, be sure to rinse them off thoroughly before you do, so you lessen the risk of bringing these plant-dwelling pests into your house.
• CLEAN EXCESS MOISTURE: Do a thorough inspection of your home for leaks, especially in places such as your bathroom, attics and the basement. Water and moisture will not only potentially cause property damage, but attract pests to your house as well.
• KEEP WOOD AND LEAF PILES FAR AWAY FROM YOUR HOUSE: These piles often attract pests who are looking for a warm place to pass the winter. By keeping these at least 20 feet away from your home, you decrease the likelihood that they will jump ship into your abode.

CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS TO DEAL WITH AN INFESTATION. If you suspect an out-of-control pest issue in your house, or are even looking for a preemptive strike against a potential infestation, be sure to contact a licensed pest professional – such as Accurate Termite Control – to inspect and treat any pest issues for the fall.