How to protect your home from pests in the winter

Pests can be a nuisance any time of year, but they can be especially problematic in the winter. As the weather outside gets colder, pests seek out warm, sheltered places to live. This can lead them to invade your home, where they can spread disease, damage property, and contaminate food.

There are a number of things you can do to protect your home from pests in the winter. By following these tips, you can help keep your home pest-free and your family safe.

Seal entry points

One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is to seal up any entry points. This includes cracks and holes in the foundation, around windows and doors, and in the roof. You should also inspect your screens and make sure they are free of holes or tears.

Eliminate food and water sources

Pests are attracted to food and water sources, so it’s important to eliminate these as much as possible. Make sure to keep food stored in airtight containers and clean up any spills immediately. You should also fix any leaky faucets or pipes.

Reduce clutter

Clutter provides a good hiding place for pests, so it’s important to keep your home tidy. Get rid of any unnecessary items and store others in organized containers.

Set traps

If you do find pests in your home, you can set traps to get rid of them. There are a variety of traps available, including sticky traps, snap traps, and poison bait. Be sure to follow the instructions on the trap carefully and place it in a safe location where children and pets cannot reach it.

Call a professional

If you have a serious pest infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the type of pest you have and develop a treatment plan to get rid of them.

Specific winter pest prevention tips

In addition to the general pest prevention tips above, there are a few specific things you can do to protect your home from pests in the winter.

• Inspect your firewood. Firewood can be a breeding ground for pests, so it’s important to inspect it before bringing it into your home. Look for any signs of insects or other pests, and discard any firewood that is infested.
• Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters can provide a breeding ground for pests, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Make sure to remove any leaves or debris that has accumulated in the gutters.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from your home. Trees and shrubs can provide a bridge for pests to enter your home, so it’s important to keep them trimmed away from the foundation.
• Seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation. Pests can enter your home through even the smallest cracks or holes, so it’s important to seal up any openings in your foundation.
• Keep your fireplace and chimney clean. Wood-burning fireplaces can attract pests, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Make sure to remove any ashes or debris from the fireplace and chimney, and have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year.

By following these tips, you can help protect your home from pests in the winter. By taking preventive measures and sealing up any entry points, you can make your home less attractive to pests and help keep your family safe.

AWP Home Inspections offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in West Central and Central Indiana. Contact us to schedule an appointment.