Winter Wildlife Pests

Contrary to popular belief, pests can still be a problem during the winter months. From rodents and cockroaches to spiders and beetles, if you want to keep unwelcome creatures out of your home, it’s important to stay vigilant all year round.

Below we’ve put together a handy guide which explains how you can keep winter wildlife pests out of your home during the colder months.

Seal openings
If you tend to keep your windows and doors closed during winter, you may think you’re safe from pests. Even rodents can fit into a space as small as the diameter of your little finger so it’s important to ensure that any openings, no matter how small, are sealed up.

This can be quite an arduous task because at a quick glance it’s unlikely that you would even notice a hole small enough for a beetle to squeeze in through. Pay special attention to the areas around windows and doors – replace any weather stripping that has worn down or become damaged, keep an eye out for cracks or gaps around openings and ensure that all your windows and doors are sealed properly.

Also check where gas, water and other utility lines enter your home and ensure that any entry points are tightly sealed. It’s very common for pests to enter properties this way because they’re attracted to the heat that gas and power lines give off.

Don’t neglect cracks in the ceiling because a lot of pests can fly and unbeknown to a lot of people, mice are in fact fantastic climbers. If you have a basement or attic, mice can also infiltrate your home through worn-down gaps in the insulation of unfinished areas.

A great tip for finding potential entry points around the home is to turn off all the lights and then look for sources of light. If that doesn’t work, try lighting a candle and watch for drafts. Try to seal up any cracks or gaps with the sturdiest material possible such as mortar, concrete or caulk. If you want something less permanent, weather-sealed plastic, copper mesh or a screen can also work very well.

Eliminate outdoor habitats
One of the best things you can do to prevent the likes of rodents and beetles making their way into your home is to eliminate any outdoor habitats. If you have a fireplace for example and keep logs close to your house, this is an ideal home for little creatures. If you do keep firewood outside, try to do so at least 20 feet away from the house.

Try to make a habit of regularly going around your house and checking for any debris like rocks, twigs, compost piles, mulch and dead shrubbery. Keep an eye on any trees, plants or shrubbery that’s leaning up against the house because again, it’s very easy for pests to gain entry into your home this way. Any tree limbs that hang over gutters or rooftops should also be cut away.

Also remember to keep any rubbish far away from any openings into your house and try to ensure it’s stored in a tightly sealed bin.

Monitor the moisture in your home
Pests need water to live and are therefore drawn to humid or wet areas. Areas like the garage, attic or basement tend to accumulate moist air, which is why pests are so often found in these places.

Make sure none of your pipes are leaking and pay special attention to the joints that connect the pipes to one another, as this is where most leaks originate. Check for gaps in windows and cracks in the ceiling, walls and in any exposed insulation.

If you’re prone to getting condensation in your home, it’s well worth investing in a dehumidifier. Not only will this help to keep pests at bay, it can also help to prevent mould forming.

For more information about keeping pests away this winter, please feel free to contact Prokill and we will be more than happy to help. Our accredited experts will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote. What’s more, because we have a team of local experts, you can rest assured that there won’t be any long waiting times to get an appointment. Complete an online enquiry form or call us on 0800 328 9354.