Unwanted Holiday Guests
Keep pests away from your celebrations
When the weather outside is frightful, pests want nothing more than to curl up inside
your warm home and get cozy. However, there are some simple and important steps
you can take to keep pests from using your home as a winter hideaway.
Make sure all cracks around the outside of your home are sealed. This will keep
out pests like mice and rats that, believe it or not, can squeeze through a hole
the size of a dime. Rodents try hard to come inside during the winter, not only
because it is cold outside but mostly because the seeds and plants on which rodents
feed outdoors are gone.
Also, check doors, windows and screens to make sure there are no holes that can
serve as entryways. Caulking cannot only keep out pests, but it can also help lower
your heating bill. Installing a good, thick weather strip on the bottom of all doors
can prevent pests from entering. The garage door may prove difficult to seal completely,
so the door from the garage to the house should especially be sealed tightly.
General yard clean-up can also make a big difference. Remove leaves that are close
to your home's foundation, since they serve as an easy hiding spot for pests who
can then quickly sneak into your home when you open the door. Debris, stones and
bricks can also serve as hiding spots.
Taking these precautions will help you protect your home this holiday season. Remember
that some pests may not only be a nuisance but also can be a potential threat to
your health. Pests can contaminate food and spread disease. However, by following
pest control tips and having regular service visits by a pest control professional,
pests can stay out of your home this winter.