Winter Pest-Proofing Tips

The National Pest Management Association has some suggestions to help keep pests out of your home this winter.

"Pests adapt to the changing environment and seek refuge indoors during the colder months," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "During the winter rodents such as house mice become one of the most common invaders and can cause serious property damage in and around the home."

The house mouse can squeeze through spaces as small as a 5 pence piece making it easy to get into homes through cracks and crevices. Once inside the home, pests can cause major problems including tearing insulation, chewing electrical wires, contaminating food and leaving unpleasant odours.

NPMA experts offer the following tips for pest-proofing your home for the winter:

Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home.
Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects.
Keep cellars, lofts, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
Store rubbish in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
Repair fascia and sofits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
Call a qualified pest control professional for additional advice and treatment if necessary.

SDA Pest Control, "Long Acre", Bluntisham Road, Needingworth, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire
01480 465684