Preparing your home for the fall/winter pest season.
Of course it seems now like summer is finally arriving. Rain has been a constant battle for everyone lately, but it’s beginning to look like warmer and possibly drier weather is settling in. Let’s jump ahead a few more months though, so that we can all be prepared for the cold season.
Naturally, when it’s cold outside, we would like to be in where it’s warm. The truth to that also applys to mice and other pests that prefer not to remain out in the elements all winter long.
There are a few steps that you can take to help prep your home so that these pests have a much harder time trying to gain access, as well as want to stay inside your home.
House mice frequently find their way into homes in the fall of the year, when outdoor temperatures at night become colder. In order to help prevent mice from entering seal off any openings larger than 1/4 inch to keep these little buggers out.
- Eliminate all openings through which they can enter a structure.
Seal cracks and openings in building foundations and openings for water pipes, vents and utilities . - In order for the mouse not to chew or pull out patching compounds, the patching materials need to be smooth on the surface. Some people will stuff openings with steel wool or other abrasive material, but this doesn’t always do the trick.
- Doors, windows and screens should fit tightly. Additional layers of weather stripping will keep pests out and will also help to lower utility bills by reducing unwanted cold air drafts.
- All food that is stored, processed or used should be made mouse-proof. Dried grain and meat products should be stored in glass jars, metal canisters or other resealable airtight containers.
These are all just little samples of things that you can do around your home to make it less desirable for mice and other small rodents from looking for safe haven from the elements. Additional treatments may be necessary to further prevent pests from entering your home.
If you would like more information, or would like for me to come and do a visual inspection for potential access points, please go to the “Contact” link on this page and send me an email!
Sincerely,
Michael Miller
FSEnterprises
Leave a Comment