What do we do when the temperature drops? We seek warm shelter. Same for a lot of pests. In addition to seeking refuge from the cold, pests are also searching for food sources.
Rats and mice transmit diseases, transport fleas, mites, ticks, and lice, trigger asthma attacks in children and cause significant damage to the home by gnawing through electrical wiring causing fires. Rodents can squeeze through spaces as small as a coin and create holes in the foundation for easy entryways.
Prevention
- Store food in airtight sealed containers.
- Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
- Screen vents and openings around the foundation.
- Ensure shrubbery is well-trimmed and away from home.
- Repair all damaged torn screens and cracks under doors.
- Store firewood away from the home on an elevated surface.
- Inspect and seal areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
- Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
- Seal with caulk all cracks in and around the foundation of the home.
If you suspect a pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect, identify and treat the problem.