Quite a few pests are going to be on the lookout for a new place to stay warm when the weather begins to cool off, and that is one of the reasons why you should spend a little bit of time getting your home ready for the potential infestations that could occur during the winter. Here is a quick look at some of the do’s and don’ts of winter pest control so that you can enjoy a pest-free home in the coming months.

Don’t: Leave Food Out

Even though many pests will become less active when the outdoor temperatures drop, those animals could still be on the lookout for food. Whenever you host a party or have family over for a holiday celebration, you should make sure that all food is put away promptly. Many homeowners are surprised to hear that just a few crumbs could sustain a huge colony of insects for quite some time, and those pests are going to multiply if they have ongoing access to food. You should also make sure that all of the food in your pantry is kept in heavy-duty containers that can’t be gnawed through.

Do: Seal Your Home

There are quite a few reasons why you should seal up your home before the first winter storm, and that includes creating a solid barrier against pests. While you won’t ever be able to make your home completely impervious to bugs and rodents, there are some easy steps that you can take to keep most pests out of your home. That includes replacing all of the old weather stripping around your doors and windows and caulking exterior openings where intruders might get in. You should also place wire mesh around vents, chimneys, and any other openings where larger animals could gain access to your home.

Don’t: Stack Objects Near Your Home

Many people clean up their yards and outdoor living spaces before the first winter storms blow through, but it is important to remember that outdoor toys, landscaping tools, and piles of firewood should be kept as far away from your home as possible. When those objects are stored right next to your home’s exterior walls, it might not take long for pests to create a nest or colony. As a general rule, you should try to keep firewood and other possessions at least 30 feet away from the outside of your home so that the piles don’t entice rodents or insects.

Do: Clean Your Rain Gutters and Downspouts

In addition to clearing away all of the debris that is in your yard, you should also clean out your rain gutters and downspouts once every few weeks. Over time, it won’t take much for those channels to fill up with leaves and twigs, and that can result in quite a few problems. In addition to potentially damaging your home, clogged rain gutters will also create the perfect environment for certain pests. Some animals will use the natural debris to create nests while others could make their way onto your property because of the standing water.

Don’t: Improperly Use Over-the-Counter Pest Control Chemicals

While it might be tempting to purchase over-the-counter pest control chemicals to spray your own home, those products aren’t always effective. It is also very easy to spray too many harmful chemicals in your home, and that is why it is generally suggested that families use those products sparingly. If you have noticed any insects or rodents inside your home or on your property, then you should speak with a pest control expert who can help you come up with a long-term plan for eradicating the animals and preventing future problems.

Do: Deep Clean Your Home

Having a little bit of clutter around your home isn’t a big deal, but you should clean up as much food debris and personal belongings as possible if you want to prevent infestations. After a family get-together or a party with friends, a few lingering plates of food could quickly entice bugs and mice from all over the neighborhood. Having loved ones inside your home could also result in bed bugs or other outside pests, and that is why homeowners should deep clean all of their fabric possessions at least once every few weeks during the coldest months of the year.

Don’t: Allow High Humidity in Your Home

Another problem that many homeowners struggle with during the winter months is high indoor humidity levels. A small spike in your home’s humidity levels usually won’t be problematic, but ongoing humidity problems can create the perfect environment for rodents and certain insects. When the humidity levels climb, many animals will take it as a sign that the home will provide them with plenty of fresh water. In most cases, homeowners shouldn’t let their indoor humidity levels climb past 40 or 50 percent. If you have been struggling with humidity problems, then you should consider speaking with a contractor about a whole-house dehumidifier.

Do: Schedule a Seasonal Service Call

There are many different steps that you can take to keep pests out of your home, but there will most likely come a point when you need a little professional help. The team here at Colorado Pest Pros has been helping residents of Denver, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding communities for many years, and we are proud to offer preventative pest control services throughout the winter months so that you can enjoy your holidays with friends and loved ones.

If you are in need of seasonal pest control services, then we invite you to contact us today so that you can speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members.