With the colder weather setting in, it’s time to think about pest proofing your home. It doesn’t matter if you have an old wood frame house or a brand new one, winter is prime time for pests like mice and squirrels to move in. The good news is that there are a few easy things you can do right now to keep those furry creatures out of your house and garden during the colder months.
There are things you can do to keep the pests out of your home and garden during the winter
Winter is a time when we need to be more careful about home and garden pests, because they are much more likely to invade our living spaces. The most common winter pests are mice, rats and voles. These rodents love to make their way into homes when they can find a hole in the brickwork or other places where they can get through.
Pest Control Proofing in London
Pest proofing your home is important during the winter months, especially if you live in a rural area or an area where there are lots of gardens around you. There are several ways you can do this:
If you have ivy growing on your home, it’s time to remove it. Ivy can be a breeding ground for insects like mosquitos, which can carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika fever.
- Seal up any gaps around windows and doors with silicone sealant; this will prevent mice from getting inside through these areas
- Use strong wire mesh for any holes that might be big enough for rats or voles (usually found at the base of walls)
Remove ivy, gutters, and other overgrowth
Remove all gutters that are clogged with debris or leaves. This will prevent water from pooling up in them and causing problems with mold growth inside the gutters as well as possible leaks or even structural damage to your property over time.
Finally, clear away any other overgrowth from around your house so that pests have no place to hide during the winter months when they’re not active (and not likely to invade).
Seal outside entry points
- Check for cracks in the foundation.
- Check for gaps around pipes and wires.
- Check for gaps under doors.
- Check for gaps around windows.
- Check for gaps around water heaters, dryers, and other appliances.
Clean out your attic and garage
You should clean out your attic and garage before winter, especially if you store things there. Remove anything that might provide shelter for pests, such as leaves, dead animals or debris. Make sure there are no holes in the walls or roof of these areas to prevent pests from sneaking in during the winter months. Check for signs of infestation by looking at dark corners with a flashlight after dark (beetles tend to hide under furniture), as well as checking around windowsills and doorways for webs made by spiders. If you find pests inside your home, call a professional exterminator immediately so they can take care of this problem before it gets worse!
Pest proofing is the best way to keep the critters from moving in.
Pest proofing is the best way to keep the critters from moving in. It’s not just for summer, but a year round job.
If you have any questions about your own home, it’s best to call a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and provide advice on how to deal with pests of all kinds during the winter months. Give us a call at 01923 375 135.
