Pest Control in the Winter
Keeping pests out of your home is one of the most critical things you can do, no matter the season. During the winter some people have a tendency to let their guard down as many types of insects begin to hibernate. For some pests, this is the easiest time for them to come inside, and the most likely too. Rather than forgetting about pest control for the season, take extra measures to protect your home, especially from mice during the winter. Take the proper steps to keep them out during this season. It will be easier to put up the barriers rather than playing catch up once they are already inside.
The cat
One of the easiest ways to get rid of mice in the home is to invest in a cat. You don’t even need to have the cat living indoors. Cats are one of the biggest predators out there, tackling everything from insects to snakes. A mouse’s worse enemy is a playful cat.
As long as you don’t get a Garfield, most cats will help reduce the mice and other insect population around your home significantly. For those who have absolutely no interest in owning a pet cat, there are other options out there. Take these methods instead, keeping the rodents, insects, and any other unwanted critters as far away from your home as possible.
Keep organized
Mice love to find a place to nestle in close together building their nests away from the cold. Keep these spaces out of the way before they even have a chance to congregate. Although it is too late now, for next fall take care to eliminate the waste that has built up around your home. Piles of trash, hay, compost, or other things are the perfect place for nests to be built, keeping them warm for the winter.
The closer these piles are to your home, the higher the chance the mice will make their way into your home. Move them as far away from the structure as possible. This includes garbage, which should be emptied out as often as possible to prevent attracting even more mice.
Although many insects will die at the end of the fall, if they are able to find a safe and warm place to hibernate, they will be just as ready for next spring. The closer these warm spots are to your home, the more likely it is they will make their way inside. Move piles of wood and other insect habitats away from the sides of your home.
Close the options
If you do not have screens installed in your home, put them on now. This is especially important in protecting against mice for the windows of your home that are close to ground level. Presumably during the winter you will not be having the windows open, but it is better to have this extra protection than not. In addition to this, you can invest in screens for your chimney and other openings. This will keep mice, birds, and other pests out of your home.
You would be surprised how small of a hole a mouse needs to make its way into your house. Inspect the perimeter and make sure that all the holes and cracks are properly filled, including those that house water pipes or electric lines. An entire insect population could make its way inside through one of these openings carelessly left unattended.
If a pest population does make its way into your home, they can cause destruction and reproduce fast. At this point you may be better to call an exterminator. Do all you can to rid your home of an infestation, keeping your house clean and free from diseases they may carry.
Cassie Costner writes for beelinepestcontroldenver.com, a Colorado pest control company. She has written on the most effective way to rid pests from your home no matter the season, and keep them out for the long run.
