Pest-Proofing Your Home For Fall
Simple Tips to Protect Your Home From Pests This Fall
There is certainly no shortage of pests and rodents here in Denver and along the Front Range, and as the cooler autumn weather sets in, these critters will begin seeking shelter from the cold. The trouble is, our cozy homes and garages attract pests of all kinds because, not only will they have shelter and warmth, but they’ll also have access to food and water. Even worse, once they’re in, they can be hard to kick out, and before you know it, you may have a lot more than just one critter taking up residence in your home come winter.
In an effort to help you keep these uninvited guests out of your home this fall, your friends at Colorado Pest Management Inc. have a few handy ways you can pest-proof your home. Check it out!
Clean Up Yard Clutter
One way to keep pests out of your home is to clean up the areas around your home. Move stacks of firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and remove any other debris leaning up against the siding or near vents, windows, and doors. Clean out your gutters and remove dead leaves from pots and flowerbeds where critters like spiders, mice, and earwigs will hide to stay warm and build their nests. Finally, be very cautious when bringing outdoor items like flower pots and outdoor furniture indoors for winter, as spiders tend to lay eggs under chairs and at the bottom of flower pots that will hatch in spring.
Seal Off Entry Points
Remember, pests can sneak through even the tiniest holes or gaps. In fact, mice can squeeze their little bodies through cracks as small as dimes!The best defense for keeping pests out is to inspect all the surfaces of your home for potential entry points from the foundation to the vents to the eaves of your roofline — and don’t forget the garage! Then, seal all holes, cracks, gaps, and crevices, and repair torn window screens. Cover vents with screens and secure chimneys and vents with the proper covers. Weatherproof windows and doors to seal gaps to prevent pest entry and keep your home warm at the same time.
Secure All Potential Food Sources
As the cold weather sets in, food sources become more sparse for pests like rodents. They will see any food source in your garage or home as an open buffet for them to enjoy freely. One thing that attracts them is pet food, which is often stored in the garage. Store pet food in bins that can be tightly sealed instead of leaving the food in bags that mice and rats can easily chew through. If you store non-perishable foods on shelves in your garage, place that food in bins as well. Avoid leaving food scraps on the kitchen floor and clean up spills and messes promptly.
Know the Signs of Pest Activity
Be on the lookout for signs of pests. Keep an eye out for rodent droppings in the garage, in your kitchen, and even in your dresser drawers. If you hear unusual sounds in the attic, ceilings, walls, or vents, you may have mice, rats, or even raccoons. Additionally, look for chew marks in boxes and bags of people and pet food. You might even notice chewed wires or scratched siding near vents or chimneys, which could be the sign of rodent or wildlife activity.
We hope these simple tips will help you keep those critters out of your home this fall. Should you suspect that pests or rodents have entered your home, Denver’s trusted professionals at Colorado Pest Management Inc. are here to help! We offer one-time, monthly, and quarterly pest control plans tailored to the type of pest problem you’re experiencing.