Hello World! Welcome Friends! Winter tends to be the extra-busy time of the year for homeowners as there is a lot of work to do. You need to keep an eye on your home heating system, clear the snow from the driveway time and again, and get on with the preparations for the festive season. Pest control takes a backseat amid all the other urgent things to do. Moreover, you may go a little slack, thinking that it is the hibernation season for them. Unfortunately, you may be inviting an infestation by being casual about controlling pests this winter because they try to find warm shelter all the more when it is freezing outside. It makes sense to invest extra effort in pest-proofing during the colder months. Here are some measures you can implement.
Seal the Entryways
The smallest cracks and holes on the exterior of your living space are enough for rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other pests to sneak inside. They would try to enter before the temperatures drop below their comfort. You need to act early in the season and close up the entire potential entry points for pesky pests along the exterior and the foundation of the house. A combination of steel wool and silicone-based caulking would give you reasonable protection.
Don’t Forget Other Openings
Apart from the entry points on the exterior, you also need to be extra careful about other openings such as vents and chimneys. Since these openings are necessary for venting water and smoke, you cannot seal them completely. But you can still pest-proof them in the winter by installing materials that keep the pests out yet let them perform their function. For example, you can cover vents with mesh and install caps on the chimneys.
Get Rid of the Moisture Issue
Having moisture issues in your living space is as good as inviting these unwanted guests to come over. Moisture gives pests an ideal condition to survive and thrive. If you talk to St. Louis Pest Control experts, they will recommend checking the attics, basements, and crawl spaces for moisture build-up. If there are problems, invest in the requisite fixes. Running dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation for moisture-prone areas is equally vital.
Store Firewood Away from the House
Another important pest-proofing advice for homeowners is to store firewood away from the boundary walls. Although keeping it handy sounds convenient, it is a temptation you should resist. Carpenter ants and other pests can easily infest piles of firewood and make way inside along with the wood. Keep it at a distance of at least 20 feet from the house and keep inspecting it regularly.
Keep your Home Tidy and Uncluttered
Winter or summer, a tidy and uncluttered living space does not give pesky pests a favorable place to hide. Clean and disinfect sinks, countertops, and appliances to keep them out of the kitchen. Empty trash often and declutter your living space every few months. Never leave leftovers out at night or crumbs around the house because food is the first thing that attracts pests.
Most importantly, avoid skimping on professional pest control in the winter. It is even more vital to call them over during this time of the year for regular inspections and requisite control measures.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Common Kitchen Countertop Problems
A Pantry Refresh & Organization
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