As the winter holidays approach, humans aren’t the only ones looking to get cozy indoors—pests are also seeking warm places to wait out the cold months. Here are our best tried-and-true tips to keep mice, bugs, and other pests out of your home so you can enjoy a pest-free season.
Minimize Clutter
Pests such as rodents and roaches love clutter. Cluttered areas provide them with safe hiding spots and allow them to move around undetected. Remove unnecessary items to reduce their hiding spaces. Be sure to throw away old, deteriorating cardboard, as it is a favorite harborage for pests.
Keep It Clean
Maintaining cleanliness is one of the most effective pest prevention tools. Regularly vacuum, mop, and thoroughly clean every inch of your home. Keep garbage contained in sealed receptacles and remember to empty them frequently.
Remove All Accessible Food
The promise of a good meal is a magnet for pests like mice, roaches, and rats. Food sources are minimal in winter, so many pests turn to homes to find something to eat. Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately to remove their food sources. Store dry foods—such as nuts, beans, bread, cookies, and pet food—in sealed containers to keep pests away.
Keep Firewood at A Distance
Woodpiles make great shelters for pests, especially rodents that may then find their way into your home. Damp firewood is an attractive food source for pests like termites. Storing firewood against the exterior of your house invites termites and other pests inside. Keep your firewood stacked away from your home and inspect it thoroughly before bringing it indoors.
Seal All Entry Points
To maintain a pest-free home in winter, it’s crucial to seal all entry points for rodents, roaches, and other insects. Check out our guides to keeping out rodents and overwintering insects for tips and instructions for fortifying your home against invading pests.
Control Moisture
Snow and rain during the winter months can cause pest issues later in the year. Water from rain and snowmelt can soften wood, making it easier and more appealing for pests like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents to chew through. A damp basement, attic, garage, washroom, or kitchen is an ideal home for pests.
Consider placing a dehumidifier in areas with moisture issues. Fix roof and pipe leaks immediately to avoid moisture buildup and the resultant pest infestations. Keep all moisture-prone areas well-ventilated.
Inspect Your Items
Pests often hitch a ride on items we bring indoors. Check storage items, holiday decorations, canned goods, and other belongings you plan on moving inside from your storage space or garage for signs of pests. Inspect all containers and packages thoroughly. Avoid obtaining upholstered furniture secondhand if possible; if you do, inspect it carefully for pests like fleas and bedbugs before bringing it into your home.
Trim the Outside Plants & Keep the Gutters Clean
Pests love to hide in bushes, trees, plants, and fallen leaves. Keep all vegetation a few feet away from your house’s foundation and ensure it does not touch your home. Trim larger trees away from your roof to prevent pests from climbing onto your roof and into your home. Remove debris and fallen leaves from downspouts and gutters to avoid standing water, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the spring. Eliminate yard debris such as woodpiles, branches, and leaves to prevent pests from hiding underneath.
The Modern Solution
If you’ve followed these tips and still have pest issues, it may be time to call in the pros. Let Modern’s experienced professionals help keep your home a pest-free haven this Winter. Call 800-323-7378 or click here for a free quote.