Winter Pest Prevention – A Guide to Protecting Your Home
As fall sets in over Davenport and winter approaches, it sounds like a perfect time to spend a cozy night by the campfire. But along with the season’s charm comes something that is not so welcome: the possibility of an invasion by pests.
Do not let these unwelcome guests disrupt your winter peace! You can keep pests out of your Davenport home by learning about bugs like the cold and taking steps to keep them away. A reputable company for pest control in Davenport should also be considered if you are looking for professional assistance to keep your home pest-free.
Why do winters attract pests?
Some insects, like mosquitoes, go away with the warmth, but rodents and some spiders become more busy when it gets cooler. This rush of action is caused by a basic need to stay alive. As the world becomes less friendly, with less food and difficult conditions, these animals look for safety and warmth, and they often find it in our warm homes.
How you can keep the pests out in winter.
In this case, keeping pests out of your Davenport home in the first place is the best way to defend yourself. Here is how to build a wall of defense:
Learn how to clean like a pro.
Pests will not want to live in a clean house. Pests that are hungry will see crumbs, spills, and dirty dishes like a bright sign. Clean up food scraps often, store food in cases that keep air out, and take out the trash often.
Fix the cracks.
Pests that crawl can get in through small holes in the base, around windows, and doors. If you are looking for cracks, holes, or loose weather stripping, give the outside of your house a full check. To make a tight barrier, fill these holes with glue or weather stripping.
Get rid of the bushes.
Pests that are close to your home can hide in bushes and untidy gardening. Keep bushes and trees at least a foot away from the base and trim them back often. This gets rid of places where animals can easily get in.
Keep firewood a long way off.
When you stack firewood close to your house, bugs can live in them. Firewood should be kept at least 20 feet away from your house so that unwanted guests do not move in too close.
Pay attention to the moisture.
Pests are drawn to places with a lot of moisture. Fix any taps or pipes that are leaking in your home, and make sure there is good drainage around the base so water does not pool.
Additional tips for pest prevention in winter.
Even though the steps above are important, there are more things you can do to keep your Davenport home safe from winter pests:
Get your house ready for winter.
Make sure your home is properly sealed to keep out cold air that can bring in bugs and other pests looking for warmth. To keep the temperature inside reasonable, seal any air leaks around doors and windows.
See if there is moisture.
Check your home often for mold or mildew, which could mean there is moisture. Pests, especially insects that eat wood, may be drawn to these situations.
Make your own repellents.
Pests can be scared away by certain natural smells. You could use peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus essential oils in diffusers or as room sprays.
Stay vigilant.
It is important to stay alert even when safety steps are in place. Keep an eye out for droppings, wires being chewed, or strange noises that could be signs of pests. If you see any of these signs, you need to fix the problem right away.
Get professional help.
A professional pest control service can help you figure out why pests are coming into your home and give you specific ways to get rid of them. If you follow these tips and take preventative steps, you can keep your Davenport home free of pests and have a peaceful winter without any unwanted guests.
