Cold Weather = Pests Trying to Make Your Home Theirs!

When the Weather Turns Cold, Ensure Your Home Isn't a Safe Harbor for Rodents and Critters.

It's that time of year to take additional steps to keep your house free of pests.   

With the storm this summer, new holes and points of entry
may have been created as well, so keep that in mind.

Where to look? High AND low.

Mice and snakes can gain entry in a hole the size of a dime;
 rats can enter through a quarter-sized hole. 

Squirrels are able to chew through wood and shingles and  can push loose bricks out of their way.

Here are some general tips to help keep not only rodents like mice away, but also squirrels, bats and even snakes.  

* Eliminate wood or brush piles around or near your home, garage or sheds
* Keep brush and vegetation trimmed and neat.
* Be sure leaves are raked away from the foundation.
* Cut tree limbs away from the house so squirrels don't have easy access. 
Squirrels love attics and are hard to remove once they move in.
This includes large trees with limbs that overhang the house.
* Cracks/gaps in the foundation or beneath sidewalks can unexpectedly lead inside the house.  
* Fill gaps and holes with brick or a concrete filler; remember colder weather requires a longer cure time. Depending on the pests you're actively trying to keep out, steel wool can be a good filler for cracks and small holes.
* If you do notice rodent activity, remove bird feeders which provide an easy food source.  Also, don't leave food out for outdoor pets or animals.
* Install stainless steel chimney caps with 1/4" wire mesh to keep bats from entering.

Check out these links for more information!

Home Hacks to Repel Mice  - How to Find How Mice Are Coming Into The House (excellent information!)
This Old House - How Animals Are Getting Into Your House
The Spruce - How to Get Squirrels Out Of The Attic
Family Handyman - 26 Tips For Controlling Pests In and Around Your Home

xoxo,

Judy