As the cold, frigid weather starts to set in, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to spend a little more time cozied up in your home. Coincidentally, so do pests! Rodents, cockroaches, and other pests love to make your home their winter home. Can you blame them? If you want to enjoy your home this winter without pests crashing, follow these tips below to pest-proof your home.
Clean Up Your Kitchen
Nothing draws pests in more quickly than food. When you leave food on counters or crumbs on the ground, you’re leaving an open invitation for pests to enter your home and feast. Try these tips to keep pests at bay:
- Keep food and dirty dishes out of your sink and off your counters.
- Clean hard to reach places regularly.
- Store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers.
- Take out your garbage regularly.
Seal Entry Points
While crumbs may lure pests in, they actually enter through improperly sealed cracks. Pests are sneaky and can find a way to enter through even the smallest crack — sometimes an opening as small as the size of a dime. Keep them out by following these steps:
- Re-caulk all windows and doors. Anywhere you can see light through a crack is a space big enough for a bug. Repair and re-caulk to make sure all entry points are sealed up tight!
- Repair all screens or replace screens with storm windows. Although it may seem unnecessary, a screen is one more barrier that separates bugs from your home. If you have the option, storm windows are even better at keeping bugs out, and can even help keep energy costs low!
- Install an aluminum door sweep. The final step to sealing up your house is to install an aluminum door sweep to any of your outside doors. This will provide another barrier to keep bugs out and keep heat in.
Clear Clutter
Another problem area in your home may be caused by clutter. While gift wrap and other items tend to pile up during the holidays, be sure to keep areas organized and clutter-free. Cardboard,in particular, draws pests in and clutter makes it easy for them to hide. Be sure to keep extra items stored neatly in airtight containers if it’s going to be sitting for awhile, and vacuum often to suck up any pests that may have snuck in.
Fix Leaky Faucets
Aside from causing water damage to cabinets and floor, standing water can cause mold and draws in pests like cockroaches. This becomes even more of a problem in the winter since pests love cold, damp areas. Be sure to check all the faucets in the house and take care of any leaks. Don’t forget to check basements for leaks and general dampness, as they can be particularly wet!
Keep Your Yard Clean
Just as damp areas and clutter inside the house draw pests, so do wet leaves and debris in your yard. When you harbor pests in your yard, it gives them a place to wait until they get a chance to enter your home on an item or through an open door. To keep pests out of your yard and out of your home:
- Keep yard clear of leaves and other debris that can hold water and draw pests
- Store firewood and garbage at least 20ft away from your house
- Be sure to check belongings for bugs before bringing them inside (think Christmas trees, storage boxes, gifts, furniture, etc.)
Trust the Experts
If you’ve taken all of these measures or want a surefire preventative method this winter, let the experts at EnviroCon help. We offer year-round pest control services that cover everything from general pest control to animal removal and control. When you partner with us for your pest control needs, you can always expect:
- Friendly service from a locally-owned business here in Texas
- Green, environmentally friendly treatments that are safe for your family