As the temperatures drop, it won’t just be you and your family who want a warm place to cozy up for the cold months. To feel entirely at ease in your home, you’ll want to be sure you aren’t sharing it with unwelcome guests. Here are some tips to help pest-proof your home before winter.
Check for access points
Pests come in a range of shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for even the tiniest entry points. Check every inch of your house exterior for cracks, gaps, and holes. Here are a few key areas to pay attention to:
- Inspect the foundation, especially where the siding starts
- Look for gaps in the siding and the trim and seal them with non-rusting metal mesh and then caulking
- Check for soffit gaps and fill them with non-rusting metal and then foam sealant
- Inspect doors and windows, replace weatherstripping and seal off gaps with caulking
- Check all vents for gaps and cover them with a non-rusting metal screen
Pest-proof the yard and garden
Walk around your house to check that no bushes or tree branches are touching your home. Trim foliage in direct contact with your house because it can provide access to crawling critters. Ensure that the soil slopes downward from your house.
If you keep firewood stacked outside, you may want some outdoor rodent control measures in place to prevent the pests who hang out in the wood from moving into your home.
Control moisture
Many pests are drawn to damp places because the moisture provides the best opportunity for eating and breeding. Eliminate potential for excess water in your house by fixing leaks, clearing eaves, and unclogging drains. Use a dehumidifier or sump pump to control water and humidity. At ground level, clear away soil and mulch from windows, doors, and other wood features.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve got all your pest control bases covered, arrange for a professional exterior rodent inspection. A quick preventative visit could save money and give you peace of mind as you nestle in for those chilly months ahead.
Pest control experts in Western Canada
Make Poulin’s Pest Control your go-to pest management professionals to prevent or eliminate an infestation. We don’t shy away from any pest and know how to keep them out of your home or business. We provide effective pest control and sell commercial solutions to clients across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Contact us for your pest control needs.