This year has been pretty warm, but we’ve recently experienced a few chilly days, and you know more are on their way. A lot of people have begun switching to cool weather mode by putting up summer clothes, pulling coats out of storage, checking furnaces, etc. You may be one of them. It’s just part of the annual cycle in our part of the world.

You’re not the only creature at your house thinking about winter. All around your place, a multitude of critters is also preparing for the cold. Their number one priority: find indoor shelter! 

It’s unlikely you want to cohabit with bugs and rodents this winter. My guess is you’d be upset if a mouse scurried along your living room baseboard as you were watching television. You’d be equally irritated to find a colony of bugs nesting in the back of your pantry.

Fortunately, you can prevent these situations from occurring! As you’re developing your winterizing list, add the following pest control hacks to your routine. These tips come from the National Pest Management Association, an organization known for their expertise in pest control.

Most of these common-sense tips are pretty easy to complete and cost very little. (Spoiler alert: some may require a fair amount of cash outlay. You decide if they’re worth your investment.) All will help protect your “castle” from vermin looking to come indoors for the season (and possibly longer!) 

Ready? Here we go…

• Add screens to windows, attic vents, chimney tops, etc., that are open to the outdoors.
• Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces dry and well-ventilated. Pests need moisture to survive. Dry spaces encourage them to look elsewhere. Consider putting dehumidifiers in basements and garages to help evaporate moisture.
• Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of your home with caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to utility pipes as they enter each structure, and keep in mind some rodents can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
• Clean kitchen counters and food prep areas frequently. Crumbs and drippings are like a smorgasbord for pests. They’ll return often as long as food is present.
• Store food in airtight containers and regularly dispose of garbage in sealed receptacles. Close garbage cans properly, especially when they’re stored in your home or garage.
• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around your foundation and windows. Sealing cracks is a great way to keep both pests and cold air out of your house.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house, and keep shrubbery well-trimmed. Removing clutter makes it harder for pests to hide as they look for a way inside.
• Install door sweeps and replace or repair damaged screens. Torn window and door screens and cracks under doors are ideal entry points for household pests.
• Inspect boxes, package deliveries, and grocery bags before bringing them inside. Pests are geniuses when it comes to sneaking in. Inspect everything that’s been left or stored outside even for a short while, and shake containers to dislodge pests that may have attached themselves.
• Avoid leaving pet food out for long periods of time. Pests don’t discriminate; they’ll eat almost anything. Bring empty pet bowls inside to further discourage pests from feasting on crumbs.
• Maintain proper outdoor drainage. Install gutters or repair your existing system to ensure moisture moves away from your home, preventing ponding and leaks that might attract unwanted bugs and animals.

The more of these tips you can put into practice, the better off you’ll be. Sometimes your best efforts won’t be enough. We’re ready to help if you can’t get a handle on the pests at your place. If you suspect an infestation, contact us at 405-679-8729 to assess the situation and recommend treatment.