Most people keep their homes piping hot during the winter in order to stay warm. However, you may find a few unexpected guests taking advantage of the warm conditions you provide. During the winter expect your warm house to be inviting to pests since they prefer to get out of the cold weather just like you do.
Most people keep their homes piping hot during the winter in order to
stay warm. However, you may find a few unexpected guests taking
advantage of the warm conditions you provide. During the winter expect
your warm house to be inviting to pests since they prefer to get out of
the cold weather just like you do.
Many pests enter homes because
there are already holes making it easy for them to make an entrance.
Therefore you will want to inspect all around your home to ensure there
are no cracks or gaps to invite pests inside. All holes should be
repaired as soon as possible.
It is also important for you to
check your basement or crawl space. These areas are typically damp and
pests usually like living in damp conditions. Another reason pests like
these areas is because they are far away from human activity.
During
the winter, you may operate your chimney frequently if you have one.
You may think the smoke rising out of it will discourage creatures from
entering, but that is not the case. The only way you can keep them out
of your chimney is to install a chimney cap on it. Birds, raccoons, and
bats will not be able to enter as long as it is installed properly.
You
will also need wood to operate your fireplace with. Keep your woodpile
as far away from your home as possible. You do not want pests to setup
a home temporarily in the pile of wood only to make their way into your
home at a future date.
Pests will mainly be attracted to the
warmth you are providing. However, they will be even more tempted to
enter your home if there are any food sources available. At a very
minimum you should keep your kitchen area free from crumbs and other
debris.
Pay attention to the food sources on the outside of your
home too. Birdseed will attract pests; especially squirrels. Any dog
food you keep outside will also bring them running. All food you keep
outside should be stored in a metal or glass container so the pests
cannot chew through them.
Make sure you take various protective
measures to keep pests out of your warm house during the winter. Keep
both the exterior and interior of your home as clean as possible. You
should also try to eliminate all food and water sources.
