Just when you thought you had rested from the flying pests that come with the warm weather, winters comes with a set of its own. Common winter pests are, amongst others, mice, rats, cockroaches, and spiders, as confirmed by the National Pest Management Association.
You know that “spring cleaning” session you normally have at your house when a new season starts? There are tips you can add on the routine, to keep winter pests out and embrace uninterrupted warmth in your house during cold weather.
Apart from installing traps and pesticides, here are some ways to get rid of unwanted crawling visitors at your house. These pointers are recommended by several pest control businesses.
Maintain a clean home
One way to prevent rodents and crawling insects from making your home theirs, is by keeping the house squeaky clean. The Efekto Effective Pest Control states that “One thing about rodents is that they love the crumbs left behind on the countertop or the spilt coffee unwiped from the bedroom side table. The best defense against rodents is a clean environment.” By keeping your house clean regularly, you eliminate odours that might be attractive to pests. So, Efekto suggests that when cleaning, pay special attention to areas such as behind the fridge, the oven, under the toaster and the bin.
Check for pests hotspots
The Specialists encourages that one should remove anything that rodents might find it homey or make a hiding place out of it. Things like woodpiles, leaf piles, hedges, or garbage. The publication further advises to “check for gaps, holes and loose-fitting doors in your home and out in the garage or garden shed. Rats can enlarge a small gap by gnawing on it with their teeth and thus gain entry into your space.”
Get rid of unnecessary water
Winter pests are said to be attracted to wet spots in the house, therefore Efekto suggests that one should remove easily accessible water sources like dripping taps, potted plants, or watering cans as rats and mice can consume up to 60 ml of water daily.
Seal up your grocery
The Specialists Pest Control recommends storing food in sealed containers, as it discourages easy access for hungry rodents, especially dog and cat food, which is a common lure for mice and rats.
Keep bins tightly shut
Efekto says because mice have a good sense of smell, keep garbage in firmly sealed bins to keep rodents and cocroaches from reaching food waste in plastic bags.
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