As many pests will either die or go into hibernation during the winter, other pests will become more aggressive in invading your home or business. Most will become desperate in search of food and shelter and this is why during the fall before pests become more anxious, you will want to begin preparing your home to combat them. Remember, pests hibernate to survive the cold. Depending on the type of pests, some will remain active once they are in your home where they can stay warm and comfortable such as spiders, cockroaches and ants. Other pests such as rodents remain active all year round and are one of the most aggressive pests during the winter. A-Tex Pest Management will share a few tips on how you can prepare your home now and before winter pests begin to invade your home.
Fall Pest Prevention & Exclusion
First, you will want to walk around the outside of your home and look for gaps or cracks that pests, and especially rodents, can use to get inside your home. Look for the smallest of openings. Anything between 1/16 to a ¼ of an inch is big enough to let insects and even mice into your home. Of course, larger gaps mean you are letting in all pests including rats. You can use caulking glue to seal them. However, if you’ve experienced mice or rat problems in the past, you may want to use a cement sealer instead. Cement makes it impossible for mice or rats to chew through it. For larger gaps, even those from chimneys, attic vents, or dryer vents, you may want to cover them with metal mesh wiring so you still have circulation but mice and rats won’t be able to crawl through and enter your home. Windows and doorways also pose a problem. If the weather stripping is worn down or damaged, you are letting in pests. You may need to replace weather stripping around windows and doorways to prevent pests from crawling through space. Where the weather stripping doesn’t fully cover, you can use caulking glue to help fill in the gaps. Also, examine the window screens and make sure they’re in good condition. Make sure to occasionally check the window screens and make sure rodents haven’t been chewing through them during the winter months.
Remove Food that Attracts Pests
If possible don’t leave pet food or water outside your home for long periods of time. This will just feed and invite rodents, ants, and other pests into your home. For those who like to keep a firewood pile near the back door or house for easier access, you need to relocate the firewood. Keep the pile away from the house. Pests like to live in firewood. Additionally, termites often infest firewood piles. If the wood is stored too close to the house, you’re harboring these pests at your doorstep. Many pest problems come from firewood piles. When storing firewood, stack it as far from the home as possible and have it at least 12” off the ground. When you use your wood, only bring in the wood you’re going to burn. Avoid bring in extra firewood or you may bring in pests with it.
Pest Inspection, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
A professional pest control company like A-Tex Pest Management has the knowledge and expertise to treat pests where they are most active as well as harborage and nesting areas you may not know to treat. If you need help protecting your home this winter, contact A-Tex Pest Management today.