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Ahh, the joys of winter in Tennessee. No more mowing the lawn. No more weeding the flower gardens. No more swatting at mosquitoes. Yes, the cool winter weather is a welcome reprieve for many Nashville residents. And the last thing people are thinking about is pest control. But can you really let down your guard when it comes to pests getting into your home? You can if you want to. But the smarter thing to do is to take some time right now and seal up your property before the coming pest invasion that happens when the warmer weather returns.
Pest Prevention In Winter?
Think about it. When the trees are mostly bare and yard vegetation has stopped growing, this is a great time to inspect your property and your house for possible pest problems.
- Carefully check the outside of your foundation and walls for gaps, cracks, or holes where pests may try to get in. Use wire mesh, expanding foam, or a caulking gun to seal up openings. Even the tiniest of openings will be exploited by pests such as ants, cockroaches, and termites.
- Check around windows and doors for cracks that can let pests in and seal them up. These openings not only let pests get inside your home but they can also let pests get into your wall voids, where they can set up housekeeping and start multiplying. And insect pests inside your walls are an attractant for other pests, such as spiders.
- Make sure all doors leading outside have door sweeps that are working effectively. Be sure the bristles or the hard rubber makes a good seal all the way across.
- Check all of your window and door screens. Make sure they are all present and in good condition. Replace or repair screens as needed.
- Check soffits and eaves for water damage and fix any areas of concern. Clean out gutters and make sure water is channeling away from your outer walls. Water-damaged wood is soft and easy to chew through. If rodents chew their way into your home, this will let moisture in and heat out. It will also create a route for other pests.
- Trim vegetation away from the perimeter of your home. This will allow the area around your house to dry out quickly after it rains. It also removes hiding places for pests like mice and rats.
- Cut tree limbs that touch or hang over your roof. This will help keep roof rats, squirrels, and other pests from getting into your attic.
- Clear away any leaf piles or other organic material, since moist vegetation is a magnet for all sorts of insect and animal pests.
- Remove any items or materials in your yard that act as hiding places for pests. If things such as woodpiles, construction materials, and children's toys can't be removed, try to at least store them as far away from your home as possible.
- Make sure all of your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids and that they cannot be tipped over by wildlife.
Winter is also a great time to schedule an annual termite inspection, general pest inspection, or both. If pests are found, it is a good idea to be proactive in getting rid of these pests before the weather warms up, and insects and pest animals start coming out of the woodwork (some of them quite literally).
When your done doing some or all of the tips above, you can sit back and relax, or you can take one more step and contact All-American Pest Control to sign up for year-round pest control service. When you have ongoing pest services, you don't have to work so hard to keep pests out of your home. Plus, we give your exterior and yard everything they need to get control of pests all year long. Then, you can really relax. Reach out to us today to schedule a free inspection and get started.