Come wintertime, pests seek shelter from the cold indoors. Unfortunately, the warmest place to be is in our homes. It is important to make efforts to prevent their entry because they can cause more damage than a spider’s summer cobweb in the corner. Did you know that rodents are carriers of disease such as Salmonella and Hantavirus, certain spiders can bite and cause certain side effects, and cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma? The National Pest Management Association has several tips for homeowners to help prevent winter pests from gaining access to your home.
- Seal cracks and holes
It is important to seal any points of entry on the outside of the home to help prevent pests from getting inside. Be sure to check the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. Did you know mice can fit through holes the size of a dime?
- Repair exterior damage and close up possible entry points
Be sure to replace loose mortar and weather stripping around your home as well as installing door sweeps and fixing damaged screens in windows. Screen vents to chimneys and keep attics and crawlspaces well-ventilated and dry.
- Store firewood adequately
Be sure to store firewood at least 20 feet from the home. Mice and ants tend to make their nests in wood piles and easily gain access to your home if a pile of wood is nearby. Not to mention, spiders spend a lot of time in wood piles, too.
- Declutter
Rodents can hide in clutter, so be sure to store boxes off the floor as well as keep storage areas well-organized and maintained.
- Consider a dehumidifier
Be sure to eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains. Extra attention should go into maintaining kitchens and bathrooms because these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations. Basements also tend to have a higher moisture content and may be more susceptible to infestations, as pests are attracted to moisture.
If you would like to learn more about pest control options for your home, please contact us for a free inspection. We offer residential pest control and commercial pest control for the greater Capital District area including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties.