Winter Pest-Proofing Tips

This time of year, a lot of insects and other pests begin trying to find places to over winter. Unfortunately for us, their winter retreat often is our homes.

"Pests adapt to the changing environment and seek refuge indoors during the colder months," said Steve Anderson, owner of SDA Pest Control. "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.

So, make your home pest-proof by following some of the guidelines listed below. Some of the suggestions not only help to keep pests out, they also help conserve energy in the home.

• Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home. This is a common entry point for rodents, ants and spiders. Holes can be plugged with caulk, cement, urethane, expandable foam, steel wool or any other suitable sealant.
• Screen vents and openings to chimneys, and consider capping them where possible.
• Install door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. Lie on the floor and check for light filtering under doors. Even gaps as small as 1/16 inch will allow in insects, 1/4 inch, or the diameter of a pencil, will allow in mice. Also, make sure that garage doors are fitted with a rubber a seal (rubber will hold up better than vinyl in cold weather).
• 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.
• Install 1/4 inch wire mesh (hardware cloth) over attic, roof, and basement vents in order to prevent entry of birds, bats, grey squirrels, rodents, and other wildlife.
• 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.

Article provided by SDA Pest Control