If you keep up with our HowToPest.com blogs you probably have read our many tips on how to pest-proof your home. Rather than going back through all of them, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share our top bug-proofing tips in one spot. In most parts of the country the winter weather is here and that means pests are making their way in our homes. It is up to us to make sure we don’t let that happen!
Now, being in the pest control industry for over 20 years we know that the top winter pests are: rats/mice, cockroaches and bed bugs. For most animals baby season starts in January, so not only are animals looking for a place to keep warm, mommas are looking for a place to have their young and attics and basements are a perfect location. Bed bugs cases are also on the rise because of holiday travel.
So how to we make sure we have a fighting chance against these invaders? Here are the 5 essential ways to pest-proof your home this winter:
Seal All Gaps, Cracks and Crevices.
If you “close the door” then you have a better chance at being pest free this winter. A thorough inspection around your home is the first and most important step. You will want to look for any gaps, cracks and crevices and seal them up with some heavy duty caulk. If you can, a good roof inspection can save you a lot of money in the long run. The number one animal entry point that we see in the pest control industry is the roof eaves. Most homes have eaves that are not sealed up. If you can’t do it yourself, then you can hire a handyman to close up those areas with some 1/4″ hardware cloth. Please note, if you are already hearing noises in the attic, please do not seal up any entry points until you remove the animal. You do not want to lock an animal in your attic.
Clean Up.
Bugs will make their way into your home looking for food and water. Make sure you are cleaning up after your pets, if your pets are messy eaters then sweep the excess food up. Make sure your countertops and cupboards are free from crumbs and spilled sugar.
Stop The Leaks.
Caulk all gaps surrounding the pipes that come into your house. Under the sinks or around the tubs, these are very common entry points and provide water for pests.
Clean Yard Waste.
Dispose of any yard waste piles such as leaves. Make sure wood piles are stacked away from the home and trees and bushes are trimmed away from the home as to not allow a roadway straight into your home.
Be Proactive When Traveling.
Bed bugs can be the thing that nightmares are made of and can be very costly to get rid of. If you are traveling this holiday season you will definitely want to be proactive to ensure you don’t bring these terrors home! Here are a few things that you can be aware of when traveling:
- Always do a thorough inspection of the hotel mattress. Check the seams for any indication of blood spatters or live bed bugs.
- Never place your suitcase on the bed or on the floor. Utilize the luggage rack.
- If you wake up with bites, contact the desk immediately and do not remove any of your belongings from the room so that they can be treated.
Check out our DIY bed bug video here to learn how to do a thorough mattress inspection.
Being successful in DIY pest control can be easy when you take preemptive measures! HowToPest.com is always here for you, if you have any questions you can chat with a pro. Monday-Friday 8am-6pm PST.
