As the cold weather sets in, most pests are looking for a warm, cozy place to get out of the chill in your home! Although winter pests are common, from rodents and spiders to cockroaches, bugs in cold weather tend to seek shelter indoors. There are ways to stop them from settling in. Here are some essential dos and don’ts for winter pest control to keep your home pest-free this season.
Dos for Winter Pest Control
1. Seal all cracks and gaps:
Small animals like rats and mice can easily creep through even the smallest crack in your walls, windows, or doors. Make it a habit to use caulk or weather stripping when closing a door. This will help prevent bugs from finding their way into your home, especially during the winter season.
2. Store Food Properly:
Winter is a period when these pests can become hungry and food is sure to attract their attention. Seal every food item in a container and do not forget to vacuum the floor as soon as you spill some crumbs. Make sure a pantry has a tight seal and keep any food such as nuts or dried fruits in receptacles that are proof against insects.
3. Keep a Clean House:
Daily cleaning seems to be the best option, especially in areas that might leave crumbs or scraps, such as the kitchen. To keep bugs away from the front door, the lights should be turned off frequently and the dust bin emptied, the floor should be vacuumed often, and the walls and counters wiped often to prevent pests.
4. Check for Leaks:
Cockroaches and ants love water, so any leaking pipe, faucet, or window must be repaired. Moisture is less appealing to pests, and if it is eliminated, the possibilities of pest control are greatly minimized.
Click To Learn More: How to Keep Your Home Mosquito & Cockroach-Free in the Winter
5. Use Natural Repellents:
Some natural repellents would prevent bugs in the house without having to use dangerous chemicals. For instance, if you opt for peppermint oil, the mice will stay clear, and the same goes for spiders whom lavender and citronella oil will keep at bay. Place sachets or diffuse oils in areas where pests tend to enter.
Don’ts for Winter Pest Control
1. Never brush off early signs:
When you see a pest in your home, do not downplay it as just that: a one-timer. A mouse, an ant, or a cockroach might be the symptom of a much bigger problem, especially when dealing with cold weather bugs. Act at once by laying traps calling a pro or sealing entry points to prevent an infestation.
2. Do Not Leave Food Overnight:
Leaving food overnight is like telling pests ‘ Come on in, Help yourselves.’ If they can sneak into pet foods, then mice or ants might also make their way into the house. Make sure that your food is stored before going to bed and that your trash is well closed as well.
3. Do Not Neglect the Attic and Basement:
Second, the part of a home that receives less attention is the attic, basement, or crawl space. These areas are favorites of pests; therefore, it is recommended that you check out these areas often to ensure that pests cannot find their way into the building through holes. Proper pest control in the winter in these areas is essential to prevent infestations. Moreover, it reduces pest infestation since no item is left at the wrong place where it can serve as seeds for breeding. Keeping things in the right place also deters pests from nesting.
4. Don’t Use Toxic Pesticides Unnecessarily:
At times, it is easy to reach for pesticides that will eradicate pests with speed, but this is dangerous to your health and the surrounding community. Choose environmentally friendly products or contact a pest control service provider, so as to get the best and safest means.
5. Don’t Forget to Call Professionals:
Winter pest control is a complex process, and very often, pest elimination cannot be done without professional help. But in case you notice a huge insect problem, you should not hesitate to call pest control services. Specialists can establish the origin of the problem and propose sustainable treatments.
Conclusion
Winter pests are quite unpleasant, but if you take all the necessary precautions, you will be sure they will not invade your house. That said, by following the outlined dos and don’ts of winter pest control, your home will remain warm as well as free from pests all winter long. Stay ahead of the problem, avoid inviting pests into your home, maintain cleanliness, and call for assistance if you can’t solve the problem on your own. For those in need of professional help, consider Dixon Pest Solutionto ensure your winter needs are not noisy or infested.