Preparing Your Home for Winter: Keep Rodents and Wildlife Out
Winter brings cozy nights by the fire, warm blankets, and hot cocoa—but for pests, it’s a season of survival. As temperatures drop, rodents and wildlife start searching for a warm place to shelter, and your home might be at the top of their list. Without proper preparation, you could be sharing your space with unwelcome critters. Here’s how to prepare your home for winter and keep pests out where they belong.
Common Winter Pests
When winter sets in, certain critters become much more likely to invade your home. Knowing what to look out for can help you stay ahead of an infestation.
- Rodents: Mice, rats, and squirrels are notorious for finding their way indoors. They can squeeze through tiny gaps and cause significant damage to your home.
- Wildlife: Larger animals like raccoons, opossums, and bats may tear through your roof or settle in your attic.
- Insects: Spiders and cockroaches also seek out warmth, especially in basements and crawl spaces.
Fun Fact: A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime, and a rat can chew through even tougher materials like wood and plastic.
Why Prevention is Key
Ignoring the possibility of pests entering your home can lead to serious problems:
- Property Damage: Rodents can chew through wires, insulation, and even drywall. Wildlife like raccoons may tear apart your roof or siding to gain entry.
- Health Hazards: Rodents can carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. Wildlife may bring fleas, ticks, or other parasites into your home.
- Stress and Expense: Dealing with an infestation after the fact can be costly and time-consuming. Prevention is always more affordable and effective.
By taking proactive steps now, you can avoid these issues altogether.
How to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Keep rodents and wildlife out by following these practical steps:
- Seal Entry Points:
- Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps, cracks, and holes.
- Use steel wool or caulk to seal small openings, and install mesh screens over vents and chimneys.
- Pay special attention to areas around pipes and wires where pests often sneak in.
- Trim Outdoor Vegetation:
- Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed back from your house. These can act as highways for critters to access your roof.
- Clear away piles of leaves, wood, or debris that provide shelter for pests.
- Secure Trash and Food Sources:
- Store garbage in rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep pet food indoors and clean up any spills immediately.
- Inspect Attic, Basement, and Crawl Spaces:
- Check these areas for signs of existing pests, such as droppings, nests, or chewed materials.
- Use traps or deterrents in areas where rodents are likely to enter.
- Install Door Sweeps and Weather Stripping:
- Gaps under doors and around windows are an easy entry point for pests.
- Adding door sweeps and weather stripping not only keeps pests out but also improves your home’s energy efficiency.
- Store Firewood Properly:
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home, as it can harbor pests like termites and rodents.
Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your home throughout the winter to ensure no new entry points have formed.
Warning Signs of an Infestation
Even with the best preparation, pests can sometimes find their way inside. Here are some early signs to watch for:
- Rodents: Droppings, gnawed wires or furniture, and scratching noises (especially at night).
- Wildlife: Strange odors, visible damage to your roof or walls, and nesting materials like shredded paper or insulation.
- Insects: Cobwebs, dead bugs in windowsills, or trails of ants or cockroaches.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act fast before the problem gets worse.
How Critter Control Can Help
While DIY prevention can go a long way, professional pest control ensures your home stays critter-free all winter long. At Critter Control, we specialize in:
- Rodent Proofing: Sealing entry points, installing barriers, and applying deterrents.
- Humane Wildlife Removal: Safely removing raccoons, squirrels, and other animals without harm.
- Inspections and Maintenance: Identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring your home remains pest-free throughout the season.
We understand how stressful pest problems can be, and we’re here to provide fast, effective solutions tailored to your home.
Stay One Step Ahead of Winter Pests!
Don’t let rodents and wildlife ruin your winter. By preparing your home now, you can enjoy a cozy, pest-free season. However, if critters have already made themselves at home, it’s never too late to take action.
Protect your home and family this winter. Contact Critter Control of San Jose today for a free inspection and customized prevention plan. Let us handle the pests so you can focus on what matters most!
