When most people think of times of the year when they should make pest control a priority, usually winter isn’t high on their list. As the weather gets colder we tend to spend less time outdoors, as do most of the pests that cause us problems. Pest control isn’t in the forefront of our minds during the colder months.
Just before the weather cools off is a critical time to protect your home against pests that may be seeking shelter for the winter. Here are some tips for Caldwell Winter Pest Control to help protect your home.
Tip #1: Seal cracks and holes
As the temperature drops outside, many insects search for safe places to overwinter. Many may see your home as an attractive place to do so. It provides warmth, shelter, and food sources. Cracks around doors, windows, and siding can provide easy access for insects to enter your home. During the fall, it’s important to caulk any holes and cracks on your home’s exterior and replace damaged siding, window frames, or door frames. This prevents pests from entering your home in the first place. They’ll then be forced to find a different shelter to spend the winter months.
Tip #2: Eliminate Clutter
If pests do manage to get inside, they love to hide in cluttered attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Spiders in particular like spending winter indoors, and often make their webs in dark, cluttered crevices. Many people organize and declutter in the spring. In order to have effective Caldwell winter pest control, this should be done in the fall as well. Cleaning up hiding places for pests makes it harder for them to find spaces to live, and makes them easier to exterminate if you do have an infestation.
Tip #3: Remove Sources of Moisture
Most pests and insects seek moisture-rich environments in which to live. Although the main areas of your home are likely low in humidity, certain areas of your home are more vulnerable like kitchens, bathrooms, and crawlspaces. Fix leaking pipes, clear out drains, and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Tip #4: Properly Store Firewood
Mice can be a huge nuisance to homeowners in the winter. One of their favorite places to make their nests during the warmer months is inside firewood piles. If your firewood is stored next to or up against your home, mice can easily find a large enough crack or hole to get inside once the weather cools down. Be sure to move your firewood in the fall. Although it can be a nuisance, moving the wood will destroy any nests currently hidden within the woodpile, and relocating it away from your exterior walls will prevent mice from moving indoors.
Despite what many people think, fall and winter are not times to be lax in pest control. Allowing infestations to grow inside your home can cause a huge headache now and when the temperature rises again in the spring. Follow the tips above to protect your home this winter.
If pests do manage to get inside your home this winter, call Get Lost Pest Control. Our friendly, experienced technicians will be happy to help assist you in all your Caldwell winter pest control needs.
