You may think that because the summer heat is gone that the threat from outdoor pests will be going with it.
Surprisingly the opposite can be the truth!
Read more to find out why the end of summer may be the beginning of the worst type of pest problems you will face as a home/business owner. We will give you prime examples of all the Winter pests you can expect to try and find a warm haven in your home or business, as well as the proper ways to keep them out.
Winter Pests
Our homes are safe and warm during the Winter months. In urbanized cities and the surrounding suburbs, we have heat and food in abundance, because of this there are several types of pests that would like to share in our good fortune and take up resident alongside us.
Mice and Rats
Rodents such as mice and rats mate all year around, but their cycles can really depend on food availability. In rural areas they tend to mate during the summer months, so for farming and commercial properties a pre-Winter infestation can be something to worry about. In urbanized areas where food is in abundance it can be a constant battle against infestation.
During the Winter months these rodents will work even harder to find warm shelter and food sources, especially if rearing young or pregnant.
Exclusion Tactics:
- Repair or replace damaged ventilation screen around the foundation and under the eaves.
- Provide a tight-fitting cover for the crawl space.
- Seal all openings around pipes, cables, and wires that enter through walls or the foundation.
- Be sure all windows that can be opened are screened and that the screens are in good condition.
- Cover all chimneys with a spark arrester.
- Make sure internal screens on roof and attic air vents are in good repair.
- Cover rooftop plumbing vent pipes more than 2 inches in diameter with screens over their tops.
Squirrels
We know that squirrels live underground and in the trees in our towns and yards, but when winter comes, they often look for warmer places to nest. Your attics and unused chimneys make a perfect place for these little critters to hide and make a home for the coming cold.
The same tactics used for rats and mice will work for keeping squirrels from nesting in your attics and in your crawl spaces.
Here are a few extra tips you can use to prevent these critters from being attracted to your property:
- Remove any easily accessible food sources. Pet food, bird feeders etc.
- During the winter months to protect your grass and plant beds from being dug into by squirrels cover these areas with a layer of mulch.
- Before the winter arrives in full swing tidy up your yard of all Fall debris so that there are no easy places for these critters to hide: leaf piles, tree cuttings, trim back shrubbery.
Raccoons
Raccoons are the definitive survivalists. Their ability to adapt to environments is second to none. They are intelligent and inventive creatures and because of this they are one of the most likely pests to find their way into your home or property during the winter.
While Raccoons do not hibernate, they do gorge themselves during spring and summer to prepare for winter scarcity. You may not see as many raccoons out and about during winter months, but this is because they have found a nice warm place to rest and in many cases this can mean your home or property!
Exclusion Tactics:
First things first, you must identify how these critters might enter your home or business.
The typical entry points are:
- Broken or open vents beneath the awnings of your roof
- Openings into the foundation of your home or deck
Once you have identified these locations its time to build them out. A strong wire mesh held in place with industrial staples or nails will work. Do not use regular window screen material, Raccoons will tear through that like paper.
In addition to these locations, raccoons will also den beneath decks, in old sheds, in the rafters of barns, and in the rarely used spaces of large warehouses. In cases when the infestation is already apparent it is imperative that you call a professional as raccoons are known carriers of possibly deadly diseases such as rabies.
Dont get caught out in the cold this winter when it comes to pest control!
Protect your home or business and have a professional help you devise and implement a strategic exclusion plan for your home or business!