Winter brings cozy scarves, hot chocolate, lots of holidays, and family time. However, some uninvited guests also make their way into your home at this time of year. There are the bugs that you hate crawling on your bed, the mice that chew through everything, and countless other insects that can cause just so much damage.
Most of us associate pests with summers. Of course, the warmth and sun attract insects and other pests the most, but in chilly weather, they begin to look for homes and food inside the walls of your houses, and if you don’t take action, you could end up with a lot of health issues and property damage.
The best way to keep the pests at bay is by taking proactive measures. Below are some ways that you can go about pest control this winter to ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind:
1- Seal every hole and crack in your walls
Just a quarter of an inch gap between the weatherstripping on your windows and doors is enough for tiny insects like ants, roaches, crickets to crawl into your house. So take your time to inspect these most obvious but the most unnoticed entry points and seal them all with caulk. You’ll get the additional advantage of keeping the heat inside and saving on your power bill.
2- Fix any plumbing leaks
Dripping taps and leaking pipes can lead to water damage and moisture, which most pests look for. Plumbing leaks also give the pests a steady water supply, making them stay put for longer. So, fix all the leaky pipes and taps you can find.
3- Clean your house often
Cleanliness is one of the best pest control measures you can take. Not only does it help to keep your home free from dirt and grime, but it also helps keep the pests at bay. Vacuum clean your carpets and sweep away fallen food and crumbs. Ensure you often clean the forgotten areas like under the sinks and behind toilets.
4- Treat your yard
Get rid of clutter and debris in the yard. The cleaner you keep your yard, the less chance the pests will find their way into your house. Clean up any plant debris, woodpiles, leaves, etc., to get rid of the nesting place for rodents. You can also use rodent repellant sheaths around the outskirts of your house.
5- Store the firewood away from the house
Wood is among the favorite hiding place for bugs. So if you’re stacking up firewood for winters, make sure you store them away from home. Keep the woods at least twenty feet away from the entry points, and whenever you bring the wood indoors, make sure you don’t carry in any pests with it.
6- Dispose of the leftover food properly
Pests are drawn to food. So make sure you store your food in airtight containers and dispose of the wasted food properly. Pests like rodents can smell the food from far away, so don’t leave it uncovered for too long, even if it’s just a small quantity.
7- Trim the tree branches and bushy shrubs
Branches too close to your windows and doors can serve as a bridge for pests to crawl into your house. Cut the branches down or have them trimmed away from your property. Also, trim the shrubs that are close to the home.
8- Install Chimney screens and vent covers
Open chimneys invite squirrels, bats, and insects into your house. Cover your chimneys with mesh screens and cap the vents before winters start. Also, repair small tears and holes which can easily allow small pests to enter your home. Your warm chimneys are only safe when they are pest-free.
9- Take precautions before you bring your Christmas tree inside
Winters are not complete without Christmas trees. But while you’re decorating your house with beautiful ornaments and lights, be careful not to let any pests in. Your Christmas tree should be pest-free, so inspect your tree before you bring it indoors. Look for brown leaves and needles that fall off easily because that’s a sign of bugs infesting your tree. If you’re not sure, it’s completely safe to hose down the tree branches thoroughly.
10- Carry out pest control measures regularly
Pest control is a step-by-step process. You can’t just do it once and expect the pests to disappear from your house forever. It will take time and consistent efforts on your part to keep them away. So carry out the pest control measures regularly and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment at all times.
Bring in the experts
Though these measures can keep the pests out of your home, you should also remember they are not foolproof. If the pests have infiltrated your home despite all your efforts, it’s time to call in a pest control expert for help. They are equipped with the latest tools and know-how to deal with each kind of pest, be it rodents or insects.
Universal Pest and Termite Control is a team of pest professionals who can help with any kind of pest issue in your house in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas. With our Border-guard program, we’ll give year-round protection to your property. The Uni-Guard program offers both indoor and outdoor pest control. Our termite control services will help you keep your house termite-free and in perfect condition for many years to come.
So, don’t stress about the coming winter season, we’re right here to help. Give us a call today; our technicians will be at your doorstep to take care of any pest issues.