Keeping Pest Away as Temps Cool
Many people are obsessed with autumn and for good reason: it’s sweater weather, and there’s plenty of hot apple cider, pumpkins, and gorgeous color-changing leaves! But the cooler weather is also a cue for pests to move indoors. Rodents, spiders, termites, cockroaches, and bed bugs (just to name a few) are all looking for someplace warm to hole up for the winter. And unfortunately, your home is quite alluring to them. So, now is the time to be thinking about prevention as your first line of defense against these pests. Here are a few ways to winter pest-proof your home.
Seal Entry Points
Rodents will take advantage of any small crack, and one of the best ways to prevent pests from coming indoors this winter –– or any other time –– is to seal all entry points. Take a stroll around your property and fill any cracks in your foundation and walls. Seal around laundry vents and entry points of wires and pipes, and repair any leaky pipes. Household pests are attracted to moisture, so keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces dry. A proper outdoor drainage system and gutters will keep moisture away from your home. Inspect your roof and gutters, check the weather stripping on your doors and windows, and reseal windows if needed. If you have a crack in any screen, repair it immediately.
Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!
Mice and rats are more than a nuisance. They carry diseases and populate quickly. If you don’t take steps to prevent them from coming in, you could have a full-blown infestation before you know it. Because pests will invite themselves into your home if they find any exposed crevice, it’s best if you insulate any exposed piping so they can’t find a way inside.
Trim Tree Branches and Bushes Near Your Home
In addition to sealing the entry points, you also need to trim any tree branches or plants that are touching your home. If you don’t, those branches often serve as a bridge leading directly into your home. The same rule goes for bushes or shrubs that are too close to the house.
Properly Store All Firewood
Piles of firewood send an open invitation to critters and bugs, which is why we don’t recommend that you keep firewood in or right outside your home, or even in your garage. We recommend storing firewood about 20 feet away from your house. Don’t keep large piles of wood, and periodically move or disrupt the piles so pests don’t have time to get comfortable and create a permanent home.
Inspect All Packages and Bags of Groceries You Bring Inside
As the holiday season approaches, there will likely be an increase in packages being delivered to your home. Before you take any packages inside or unpack your bags of groceries, inspect them for pests. It’s not uncommon for pests to hitchhike to your home inside your packages and groceries. Rinse all produce after you bring it home even if you can’t visibly see any pests.
Keep Your Home Clean
Cleaning your home on a weekly or monthly basis will help keep pests at bay. Thoroughly wipe any counter space you utilize to prepare food. Sweep and mop the floors daily to remove all crumbs. It only takes one ant to find a crumb and signal the rest to join the party. Get rid of any spiderwebs as soon as you see them. Keep food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food dishes out overnight –– insects and rodents love pet food.
It doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or effort to keep pests out of your home during the colder months, but you do need to be proactive. By following these pest control tips from The BrickKicker, you’ll make your home less attractive to pests, thus allowing you and your family to sleep soundly and remain safe and cozy inside your house this fall and winter.
Tammy Pitts has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and root for the Michigan State Spartans. Go Green!