A small infestation in the late fall or early winter can turn into a big problem as the season progresses. Following a few simple steps can keep pests out of your home. Many of these steps will also help to prevent heat loss, keeping your home cozy and comfortable during the winter months.
Seal Gaps Around Doors, Windows, And Foundations
Preventing a bug’s entrance to your home is the first line of defense. Install or replace door sweeps so bugs can’t easily crawl under a door. Also look to repair or replace window screens and add or replace weather stripping. Check foundations for cracks and fill them. Do the same with gaps around pipes, cables, conduits, etc. that lead into the house (as well as loose mortar). Mice can crawl through a gap as small as a dime.
Trim TreesAandBbushesAandCclear Yard Of Debris
Pests can use branches that touch your house as a pathway into your home. Keep trees and bushes trimmed so there’s a gap between them and your house. Also, when working in the yard, rake fallen leaves, clean up branches, and remove anything else that could be a nesting place for pests.
Keep Wood Piles Away From Your Home
It’s natural to want to keep wood piles close by, as no one wants to trek across a snow-laden yard to get firewood. Woodpiles are amongst the top nesting places for pests. To help prevent pests from entering the home, keep a 20-foot or more distance between the woodpile and your house, and make sure the woodpile is raised off the ground.
Clear Away Any Clutter Inside The Home
Much like keeping your yard clean deprives pests of a place to hide and nest, getting rid of indoor clutter does the same. By not having clutter, it’s also easier to find signs of an infestation. Clutter would include not leaving dirty dishes in the sink, as well as leaving food out overnight. Some bugs (like cockroaches) can swim, so dishes soaking for hours can turn into a pest pool party. Standing water in houseplants can also be a problem. Be sure to drain the excess.
Store Food In Containers
Keep food tightly sealed in containers that pests can’t wiggle into or chew through. Depriving pests of food is another crucial step to preventing infestations. Wipe off counters, tables, and stovetops to keep the kitchen clean. Even one crumb can feed bugs.
Fix AnyPplumbing Leaks In The Home
Leaking pipes and dripping faucets can provide moisture that pests need to survive. Depriving them of water makes your home less attractive and saves money on your water bill.
Organic Pest Control Services In Minnesota
Winter is a great time to get a handle on a pest control problem – before it overtakes your home in the spring. If you are concerned about pests in your home, contact EcoTech at one of the following numbers: (763) 785-1414 • (612) 386-1289 • (952) 881-6662 • (763) 785-1414. We are operating during the pandemic as an essential business and are taking safety precautions to keep our clients and our staff members healthy.
