It’s finally winter! The cold weather is here, the leaves have changed again and the holidays are around the corner. But before it gets too busy, let me be the knot on your finger and remind you about protecting your home from overwintering pests. In a previous post, we mentioned the science and anatomy of overwintering pests. You can find the detailed article here: https://bullfrogpest.com/prepare-overwintering-pests-fall-season/.
Some overwintering pests include mice, bats, boxelder bugs, beetles and stink bugs. Though you may not see the same pests as you did during summer, it’s important to prepare for winter. Here are some tips from the National Pest Management Association on preventing pest invasion during winter:
- Check the perimeter of your home for any holes. Even holes the size of dimes are an entryway for a mouse. Make sure to seal the holes and cracks as well with a silicone-based caulk.
- Trim back any trees close to your roofline to prevent rodents from accessing your roof overhang.
- Fix any areas of rotted wood making sure to also inspect your roofline.
- Mice and ants can make nests among piles of wood, so place any firewood at least 20 feet from your home keeping it off the ground and covered to prevent easy access.
- Inspect your basement and windows for any loose mortar or weather stripping and make sure to replace whichever is needed.
- Keeping your home clutter-free during winter might be a bit of a challenge, but is crucial to making sure you are not hosting any unwanted guests and their babies. Make sure to stay organized and keep boxes off the floor. Store food in sealed containers and keep crumbs off the floor.
- Overwintering pests will be looking for moisture. The main areas of the home that are vulnerable to infestation are the kitchen and bathrooms. Pay extra attention and make sure these areas do not have any leaks or clogged drains.
- Other places to keep dry are attics, basements and crawl spaces. Be sure to ventilate these often.
- Take care of several easy-access entry ways by installing door sweeps, repairing damaged screens in windows and adding screen vents to your chimney. If necessary, hire a professional sweep to inspect and cap your chimney.
- Keep on your toes with snow as a potential enabler to overwintering pests by using a roof rake to get rid of accumulation.
The risk of pest infestation never really goes away. As long as you put proactive practices in place, you can reduce the risk of finding pests in your home at the wrong time this winter – when friends and family are over to celebrate the holidays. Call Bullfrog today for professional inspection of your home. Give us a call today, at 1-800-572-9797.
Sources: https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/what-happens-to-pests-during-the-winter/
https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/the-keys-to-winter-pest-proofing/#
