How To Keep Pests Out In The Cold

As autumn colors fade and outdoor temperatures drop, winter creeps in like an old, trusted friend. It’s a magical time of year in the Tar Heel State, a needed respite from our oppressive heat, and a season many of us look forward to. Indeed, nothing is cozier or more inviting than snuggling inside a warm home on a cool winter evening, perhaps with a crackling fire and a cup of hot chocolate. But as you prepare for the colder weather and impending holidays, there is something else you should prepare for, winter visitors. And no, we aren’t talking about the friends and loved ones that drop by. Instead, we’re talking about a different kind of visitor, unloved, unwelcome, but inevitable. Pests.

Invasive Winter Pests

Some pests hibernate, die off, or migrate in the winter to avoid harsh weather. But many do not. Plenty of insects and animals simply seek a nearby shelter where they can wait out the unpleasantness of winter. Your home is an irresistible option with everything they could want, including heat, food, water, and lots of dark, quiet hiding places. Rodents, beetles, ants, cockroaches, and spiders can move in if given the opportunity, resulting in costly damage and spreading dangerous diseases that jeopardize your family’s health. It’s important to guard against these wintertime invasions, and to that effect, we’ve put together a list of insightful tips that can help you do just that.

5 Smart Ways To Prevent Winter Pest Invasions

1. Seal up your doors and other entrance points. One of the best ways to keep pests out is by using barriers and exclusion techniques. Make sure your windows and doors shut tightly. Use caulk, weather-stripping, door sweeps, and items like screens to close gaps around your home, from the attic to the basement. Include areas around vents and plumbing as well. Use exclusion techniques on your outbuildings, such as sheds and garages. A gap is not just a gap; it’s an open invitation.

2. Winterize your home’s exterior and yard. The more inviting your yard is to pests, the more likely those pests can end up inside your home. Before winter sets in, clean and declutter your yard, and keep mulch, wood, and soil away from your foundation and home’s walls. Trim bushes and trees, so they do not touch your home or hang over the roof. Ensure gutters and drains are free of debris and functioning properly.

3. Keep the interior of your home clean. A clean home is less hospitable to pests. Odors can be a potent lure, as many animals and insects have olfactory senses far superior to ours. Make sure you empty trash promptly and keep trash cans covered, preferably with a tight-fitting lid. Decluttering also helps because it reduces the number of areas where pests can hide.

4. Step up your food storage game. How you store your food supplies can also significantly impact pest invasions. If pests cannot get into your food in the first place, they’ll be far less likely to stick around. Glass jars, tight lids, and pest-proof bins are smart investments. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and flimsy food packaging pose virtually no impediment to a hungry bug or rodent. You should also keep your cupboards tidy and organized. Dispose of outdated items, replace your old spices and donate food items you don’t want.

5. Inspect your home regularly. Inspect your home periodically throughout the year to check for signs of a pest presence. Discovering pest issues in their earliest stages is key to controlling and resolving them. Infestations are much easier to get rid of when caught before they become severe. Vigilance makes the difference. Look for clues like scratches, holes, property damage, and droppings. Be alert to strange sounds and smells as well.

The Best Way To Prevent Winter’s Uninvited Guests

Sometimes pest invasions happen no matter what efforts you make to prevent them. And hey, we also know that it is not an easy task on your own. Professional pest control is the best way to prevent winter pest invasions or to stop them when they happen. In North Carolina, you’ve got the friendly, efficient pros of At Ease Pest Solutions. Nobody is better than At Ease with exclusion, prevention, inspection, or pest control treatments. We can provide you with the reliable pest management you need during the winter or any time of year, and we are ready to drop by like an old friend. Contact us today and let us know how we can help.