Tips For Protecting Your Home Against Pests During The Cold Months Of The Year
One good thing about the warm months coming to an end is that there are fewer mosquitoes, ants, and flies to invade your home and make outdoor activities miserable. However, the approach of winter and the cold months doesn't mean your pest problems are over until next spring. Your home may be in more danger during the winter since rodents and bugs are seeking warm places to hide and easy sources of food. Here are some steps for keeping pests under control during the colder months of the year.
Continue Regular Pest Control Treatments
Your pest control service can offer a schedule of treatments that's a good fit for the location of your home and local climate. While your needs may change during the colder months, you'll still have to guard against pests and the damage they cause. Rather than battling mosquitoes and ants, you may have to fend off mice and spiders. Your pest control company will adapt treatments as needed so your home has the best protection against animals and bugs seeking food and shelter during the winter.
Close Openings In Your Home
Closing gaps around windows, under doors, and along pipes makes it harder for pests to get in and it also keeps cold air outside and prevents heat loss from your home. It's a good practice to seal your home as best as you can when cold weather approaches. Warm air escaping through a gap might entice pests like mice that will chew through siding to find the source of heat and aroma of cooking foods. Your pest control company might seal some gaps and gnaw holes for you, but if not, ask them for advice on how to do it yourself. You'll want to keep in mind that spiders and bugs can get in tiny holes and rodents can chew through about anything. You might need to use metal mesh, steel wool pads, or flashing to keep out pests.
Avoid Leaving Out Food That Attracts Pests
You may like to leave food out for birds or stray cats in the winter, but keep in mind that food will also attract rats, raccoons, and other pests. You may want to bring in food in the evening and only feed birds during the day when animal pests are usually hiding and sleeping. You'll also want to be careful with food in your home and keep it sealed so you don't provide an easy source of food for mice.
Pests that usually stay outside and forage for food may be more tempted to come indoors during the winter when their food supplies run low. Keep your house sealed, and available food supplies low, so pests look for food and shelter elsewhere.
For more information, contact a pest control service like: http://www.albemarlepestsolutions.com
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