As the weather begins to get colder and winter approaches, mosquitoes, flies and bees aren’t really a concern. We associate these pests with summer and fall. But a lack of flying pests does not mean a lack of pests during the winter.
Though you may not be dealing with an infestation right now, recognize that the risk of a pest invasion never really goes away, especially in the winter.
Here are some best practices for pest prevention:
- Trim back trees to bar rodents from easy access to the underside of your roof overhang.
- Declutter the basement, attic, and any utility rooms so as to eliminate any potential nesting grounds.
- Examine the fascia board along the roof line, replacing any areas of rotted wood.
- Repair loose mortar and replace worn weatherstripping around all windows and doors.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep crumbs off the floor.
- Seal any and all cracks or gaps on the home exterior with a silicone-based caulk.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home, not only off the ground but also covered.
- Avoid ice dams by using a roof rake to dissipate potentially problematic accumulations of snow.
- Hire a professional sweep to clean the stack, inspect the flue, and install a cap over the chimney.