Tips for Prepping Your Home for Winter
As temperatures drop and we enter winter, a variety of pests will be looking for a warm place where they can find food, water, and shelter. If you haven’t taken steps to prepare your home for the winter, your home may look like an inviting sanctuary and you could end up with a winter pest problem. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent pests from entering your home and hunkering down for the winter.
Seal Windows and Doors
Pests can enter your home through even the tiniest of cracks. That is why it is important to take the time to seal around doors and windows. Weatherstripping, caulk, and foam insulation can be used in various places to create a tight seal. As an added benefit, your home will be less drafty and more energy efficient.
Trim Back Trees and Bushes
If your landscape has become overgrown and branches have grown close to your home, you have basically created a convenient bridge for bugs to easily access your home. Simply trimming back branches will discourage pests from targeting your home.
Clean the Kitchen
During the winter months, pests are looking for a warm place to hide out, but they are also hunting for food and water. A dirty kitchen provides a feast for pests. In addition to wiping down counters and cleaning floors, take the time to wipe down cupboard shelves and make sure that your food is stored in airtight containers. It is also a good idea to take a look at kitchen pipes to make sure there aren’t any leaks that could be attracting pests looking for a water source.
Tidy up the Yard
Now is also the perfect time to do a thorough yard cleaning. Remove any landscape debris, pots that may be collecting water, and other items that provide a hiding spot for pests. Finally, if you have a woodpile, be sure that it is located at a reasonable distance from the house.
Reduce Moisture
If you have been battling with a damp basement or crawlspace, now is the time to address this problem. Installing a moisture barrier or a dehumidifier may be necessary in order to reduce moisture that attracts bugs. This will also make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Humans aren’t the only ones who head indoors to wait out the winter months. Taking a few steps now to prepare your home for winter can help you enjoy a pest-free environment. For more tips and professional pest control services, contact the experts at Capital Pest Services.
Capital Pest is proud to be a family-owned and operated pest control company serving Raleigh, NC and its surrounding area (Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Clayton, Pinehurst, Pittsboro, Fuquay-Varina, etc). Contact us for our pest control services today!