Tuesday, January 27, 2015
As temperatures across the country drop, winter pests, particularly rodents, search for warmer areas to set up shop – and your home may be vulnerable. Aside from being a nuisance, winter pests can chew through dry wall, insulation, wood and electrical wiring, effectively eating a hole in your wallet.Keep your home pest-free this winter with these tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home to help prevent pests from getting inside. Be sure to check the areas where utilities and pipes enter the home – a mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home. Pests often take up residence in wood piles and can easily gain access to your home if the pile is nearby.
- Rodents can hide in clutter, so keep storage areas well-organized and store boxes off of the floor.
- Eliminate all moisture sites, including leakage pipes and clogged drains. Extra attention should be paid to kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to infestation.
- Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens in windows.
- Screen vents to chimneys. Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry.
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