Winter pest control begins long before the temperatures drop. Preventive steps include sealing cracks around windows and doors, cleaning gutters, and securing trash cans. You might even consider hiring a professional exterminator to help you prepare your home for the season if you don’t have the time to do the steps yourself. But, if you have some extra time and you’re slightly handy, you can apply the steps below to help pest-proof your house for winter.
Seal Windows & Doors
One of the easiest ways to prevent pests during the cold weather months is by sealing windows and doors. Many homeowners don’t realize that pests are drawn to warm environments like the inside of their house – and this is especially true in winter.
With many critters being able to enter through a dime-sized hole or smaller, you could have an infestation on your hands before you know it! Make sure this doesn’t happen to your sealing windows and doors properly. For doors, installing a door sweep is an easy way to keep rodents, roaches, and other insects from simply walking into your house. It’s also important to seal up cracks around windows and make sure your screens fit properly.
Clean Gutters
Gutters are often overlooked when it comes to preventing pests in the fall and spring, but they should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. This includes removing leaves and debris from them as well as checking for any leaks. If there are any problems with your gutter system, call a professional to fix them before winter sets in. Gutters make a great place for pests to hide out during the summer which makes it a short trip to your attic where they can nest in your insulation.
Secure Trash Cans
Trash cans need to be secured so that animals cannot get into them. Rodents and other pests are constantly in search of food and if they can access your trash cans, they’ll have a food source that virtually guarantees they’re going to stick around for a while.
Keep Trees & Shrubs Trimmed
If there are any plant or tree branches growing close to your house, you need to cut them back. These branches may be serving as bridges for bugs to get inside or create new entryways for them. It’s important to keep a distance of at least three feet between the shrubs and the side of your house.
Remove Sources of Water
Animals seek sources of water in and around your house. That’s why it’s important to keep your house free from excess moisture. Because water supplies may be frozen outside during the cold months, pests will often seek out water indoors. If you have a leaky pipe, it will attract pests, which creates an ideal environment for virtually all types of rodents, termites, and more. It’s especially common to have leaks in attics and basements so make sure to check these areas as well. If your moisture level is high in your home, consider also using a dehumidifier to keep the moisture content down. This will ensure that pests and rodents don’t find your home to be an inviting environment.
Hire a Professional Pest Control Service
If you want to ensure that your London home is pest free throughout the entire winter, then you’ll need to hire a professional London pest control expert. These professionals can inspect your home and identify potential entry points where pests can enter. They can also use pesticides to kill pests before they cause damage.
You can also ask your pest control company to check your home for signs of termites. Termites can eat wood and destroy homes very quickly so it’s critical to ensure your home is inspected and treated if signs of termites are discovered.
