Fall Pest Proofing Tips
Cold weather brings everyone indoors. Your family may not be the only ones enjoying the warmth of your home. Pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches and some species of spiders have life cycles longer than a year, meaning they need to find shelter during the winter to survive.
Below are some pest-proofing tips that every homeowner can follow to keep pests outside during the fall and winter:
-Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors.
-Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure. Some rodents can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
-Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. These are easy ways to keep not only pests, but also cold air out of the house.
-Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
-Avoid leaving pets’ food dishes out for long periods of time.
Follow these pest-proofing tips in the fall when the temperature begins to drop. However, if you think you have a pest infestation, be sure to contact a pest professional to assess the situation and recommend treatment.