Winter Pest Proofing Tips

Across the country, chilly temperatures and snowstorms are forcing more than just people indoors to stay warm by the fire. Rodents including mice, rats and squirrels are seeking food, water and shelter in homes this winter season.

Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent pests from coming indoors on firewood, foliage and family pets, or from gaining entry through small cracks and crevices in a home’s exterior.

Here are some tips on how to keep unwanted pests outdoors:

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
• Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.  
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains, that provide the perfect breeding site for pests.
• Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
• If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.