Winter’s officially here, and if you haven’t made any serious efforts to prevent pest infestations, you could face a significant problem (if you aren’t already). The good news is that even now, when it’s cold out, and your home is warm and inviting to creepy crawlies, you can take some steps to protect yourself against pests.
Here are a few tips to help you get through winter, ideally unbothered by home invaders.
Seal Those Cracks!
We recommend this a lot, and it might sound like we’re a broken record. But the reason we recommend it is because it works! The easiest way to keep pests out of your house is to prevent them from getting in the first place.
Take a walk outside your house and look for any foundational cracks where insects could get in. Seal them up with silicone or caulk sealant. Be sure to caulk around windows and door frames. Once that’s done, inspect your house for cracks or holes that pests can get into, and seal them up!
Keep It Clean
While we can’t fault you for not always being tidy (we get it, it can be a lot of work), you may want to spend some time regularly cleaning your living space—especially your kitchen. That means wiping down the countertops, but also the pantry or cabinets. Bits of food and other detritus tend to collect there and can be a significant food source for insects. Many insects are attracted to human foods, particularly sweet foods, breadcrumbs, and other cereals.
Keep It Dry
Like any living thing, insects require water to live. Finding that in winter can be challenging for some insects, so homes that gather condensation or other moisture become very attractive.
Make sure you look at your pipes, under every sink (bathrooms and kitchen), and any exposed pipes in your basement or other areas of the house. Seal up any leaks, and be sure to remove any moisture. Also, look for signs of condensation on your walls, such as damp patches, peeling wallpaper, or mold. All of those indicate an issue that could attract insects and cost thousands of dollars to repair if left unchecked.
Of course, if you do have a winter insect infestation, we can help! We’ll assess your problem and provide you with some options for removal and remediation. Give us a call to schedule a visit.
Some Problems Require A Professional Solution
If you experience a winter infestation of bugs or other pests, don’t hesitate to call us! EcoCare Pest can provide you with safe, ecological options to eliminate even the most annoying pest problems.