Winter Pest Control Tips Prevent Spring Problems

They don’t move south during the winter, but during the colder months, you may not notice a lot of rodent or insect activity. Just because we cannot see or hear these critters doesn’t mean we should stop defending our homes from them. Don’t relax your pest control precautions too much – there is plenty you can do during winter to prevent spring pest issues from occurring! Here are a few winter pest control tips.

On warmer days this winter when you’re enjoying time outdoors, walk around your home or property. Extensively looking at the conditions of your walls, roof and landscaping will give you hints about what could pose serious pest control threats come March and April. Your walls may show signs of rodent entry, including holes, scratches and marks of droppings. A visual examination will let you know what to repair and entries to barricade from pests as they get moving again.

Tree branches often provide great pathways to the exterior of your house, whether to windowsills, your gutters, roof or chimney. Take the opportunity while branches are bare of leaves to chop down any that could lead nuisance wildlife onto and into your home. Speaking of chimneys, both chimneys and stove pipes should be covered with screens to prevent access to your home’s indoors.

Plan on lighting a fire in your fireplace this winter? Keep your firewood stack far from the house. These piles often provide safe harbors for pests, and moisture stored in many types of wood provides a great feeding and breeding ground for roaches and other insects.

Keep an eye on your indoors as well, throughout the winter. Not only have rats and mice moved inside seeking warmth, but the regular indoor crew of pests such as spiders and ants will continue to be active. If you spy spider webs, look for their eggs!