PEST PROOF YOUR HOME RIGHT NOW

Not only are we as humans preparing for winter but insects, mice, and rats are too. When the weather gets bad or there’s a sudden drop in temperature these pests could end up living with you in your home. Some people think they would only inhabit dirty, cluttered homes, this is not the case. Insects and mice especially can get into your house though any tiny crack. They seek warm shelter and guess what? Your house just made their short list. Mice and rats summer shelter does not provide as much warmth and protection as your house. This is why it is so appealing to them. Here at Environmental Pest Control we have put together a list of simple solutions and preventative measures to help control a possible pest infestation of any unwanted insects, mice or even worse, rats this winter

Inside your home:

Secure and seal all food

• When you go grocery shopping, transfer all food that comes in plastic bags to a sealed glass container like a mason jar- this includes items like rice, grains, and nuts.
• Keep dog food and bird seed in a sealed, airtight container— you can also wipe your dogs food bowl at the end of the night from any lingering crumbs

Fix any leaking or dripping faucets

• Insects, mice, and rats need water sources, leaking faucets are too easy to come across for them

Vacuum once a week

• This is an easy way to get rid of any insects lurking in the corners, under bookshelves, or behind the furniture

Set some traps

• You can buy traps from any local hardware store—set up sticky traps, mice traps or if needed mice or rat poison

Keep your kitchen immaculate

• Sweep daily to get rid of any crumbs mice might be attracted to
• Move and vacuum under the stove
• Clean the toaster of crumbs on a regular basis
• Empty the garbage- if possible use a garbage container with a closeable lid

Clear the clutter

• Get rid of stacks of newspapers
• File all those old bills

Outside your home:

Seal any cracks in the foundation

• Look for any entry points and seal them up
• Replace broken screens on doors and windows

Store firewood away from the house

• This can become a home for any pest in the summer, if it is close to your house then your house will be the first thing they see when they seek warmth

Property maintenance

• Prune overgrown vegetation and shrubs so you can see the ground underneath them

Capp your chimney

• Not only will this prevent any unwanted pests from entering your home but it will also protect your chimney from devastating effects from the weather

Cover vents with metal or copper grills

• Get rid of any entry points like dryer or fan vents and cover them with a material that cannot be chewed through like metal or copper

Remove any debris that can become a home for unwanted pests

• Things like rock piles, wood piles or old equipment should be very far away from the house

Remember we cannot always prevent insects, mice, or rats from entering your home but we can make sure their stay is very brief.

If you are in over your head dealing with any insect, mice, or rat infestation call us for expert for pest control service!