Most of us are guilty of neglecting our pest proofing when winter arrives. Rodents, insects and other annoying pests are a summer problem, right? Sadly, that’s not the case. In fact, pest control becomes an even bigger problem during fall and winter because pests are trying to gain access to the warmth and shelter inside your home.

We’re going to discuss some of the pest-proofing techniques you should do before and during winter. We’ll explain what you need to do in detail so that you can feel confident you’ve found a solution. Sometimes, pests manage to find their way past even the strongest barriers. When they do, Truly Nolen is here to help. 

Reduce Clutter

This is a pest control tip that many of us don’t want to address, but the truth is that clutter benefits pests and pests only. The foundations of your home, including any flooring and particularly your garage, are where many pests will gain access to your property.

Try not to keep piles of paper, clothes, and wood lying around. Especially don’t leave piles of food lying around in your garage. It’s a good idea to keep everything organized and when possible, above floor level. Rodents and cockroaches will both particularly enjoy using your clutter to build hidden nests.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

This is a big one! We all know how small pests are. Did you know that mice can fit through a hole as small as a dime? You can’t take any chances with holes, gaps, and cracks around your property.

First of all, conduct a thorough inspection of your home. Look at the gaps around doors and windows, and check for cracks along the foundations of your home and siding joints too. Once you’ve identified any potential pest-entry points, seal them with caulk or form. Different gaps may require different treatments.

It’s hard to believe, but there’s rarely a gap too small for ants, cockroaches and even stink bugs. It’s common to find these pests working their way through tiny entries and even making the damage worse throughout winter.

Dispose of Waste Effectively

This is another pest favourite. If you leave food crumbs, leftovers and other tasty treats lying around your kitchen for pests, they’ll find it. Trust us. Rodents, in particular, can even smell your food from outside the home. Keep your kitchen clean.

And when you do get around to disposing of your waste food, do so properly. That means storing that waste in fully-sealed and elevated containers. Cockroaches, rodents and other pests can live off of just about anything. It might not look like it to you, but a trash can full of food waste is a paradise for them.

Watch Out for Moisture Levels 

Everybody’s had to deal with a leak at some point. It can be a frustrating repair to address, but it’s in your best interest. Even the slightest leaks and drips can provide cockroaches with the moisture they need to survive. This is particularly true in dark, humid places where they’re likely to thrive.

Check your piping for leaks, and seal those leaks as quickly as possible. You should also check your gutters to make sure there are no blockages. Clear them: this is a perfect territory for mosquitoes and the eggs they lay.

Call Truly Nolen This Winter 

As you can see, pest control isn’t something to be taken lightly. It can be a labour-intensive and detailed process. If you’d like professional assistance when pest-proofing your home, then get in touch with our Truly Nolen team today. Pest proofing is something we do every single day and we’ll make sure that your home’s prepared this winter.