The icy winters in Canada are one of the best pest control measures you can find. The one good thing about living on the tundra is that the icy cold weather freezes out and eliminates pests, killing all bugs and rodents.

So, Most people think winter is when you don’t need to worry about pests. However, the cold weather will not kill rodents and cockroaches so easily if you live in sunny California, where we are.

Why do you need winter pest control ?

According to the National Pest Management Association[1] over 20 million homes in the United States get invaded by rodents and pests every winter, and American spend $4 billion annually to eliminate these yucky, scary critters. A recent report shows that in 2021 over 14 million Americans reported seeing cockroaches and over 14 million saw rodents in their homes in just one year. [2]

Winter pests look for warmth, food, and shelter inside your home, apartment, or office building. When the weather gets colder, unwelcome pests such as rats, ants, spiders, flies, and cockroaches will try to seek refuge in your garage, basement, or even kitchen. One fine day you may feel bugs that you hate crawling on your bed, or see mice chewing through everything! Countless other insects can damage property.

The best time to stop them from going indoors is in the fall, but it is never too late to start using a good pest control service near you, especially if you face a rodent problem.

Do you need rodent control ?

Rodents are one of the most common winter pests. Rats and mice inside your home are more than a nuisance. Besides gnawing your walls, and chewing up electrical wires and sweaters, and giving your family nightmares, rodents also carry dangerous diseases like Hantavirus and salmonella. Look for a rodent removal professional near you who will give you a free pest inspection, remove the critters and stop them from re-entering your home.

How to Winter Pest-Proof your Home ?

There are dozens of ways you can have a pest-free winter. We’ve outlined ten winter pest control tips for you.

1. Seal all the cracks and holes in your walls

Some pests are very tiny so if there is just a quarter of an inch gap in the sealing of your windows and doors, it will be enough for rodents, ants, roaches, and crickets to crawl inside. Try to seal even the tiny cracks, nooks, and crannies that are easy-to-miss entry points with caulk. You will get the added benefit of saving on your power bill.

2. Fix leaks in your plumbing

Most pests like leaky taps and pipes, so fix them. Plumbing leaks are a source of water that makes pests want to stay longer and they damage your property.

3. Keep your house clean

Prevention is one of the best pest control measures there is to keep pests at bay. Vacuum your carpets and couches regularly and mop floors to ensure you remove food and crumbs. Don’t forget to clean under the sinks and behind the toilets.

4. Clean your yard out

Clutter and debris in the yard attract more pests into the house. So get rid of any plant debris, woodpiles, and leaves that can provide temporary shelter for rodents. You can use a rodent-repellent sheath around the border of your house as an additional barrier.

5. Keep firewood at a safe distance

Wood is a favorite hiding place for pests. Stack your winter firewood at least twenty feet away from the entry points, and try to keep the wood you bring inside clean.

6. Avoid leaving food out for long

Pests are always looking for food. Make sure you throw your trash and store your food using air-tight containers. Pests can smell food from a distance, so avoid leaving any leftovers out for too long.

7. Trim any bushes or tree branches

Cut down any branches from trees and trim any bushes that have come close to your windows and doors. They can serve as a bridge for pests to crawl inside.

8. Screen and cap chimney vents

Some of you have chimneys to keep you warm, but they also invite pests. If you have an open chimney, it can invite squirrels, bats, and insects into your house. Use mesh screens to cover and cap the vents at the start of winter; also check for any holes that need repairing.

9. Check your Christmas tree

Make sure that the Christmas tree you bring home is pest-free. Inspect your tree thoroughly, looking for any brown leaves and needles that easily fall off. That is a sign of bug infestations. To be on the safe side, it is wise to hose down your tree branches completely.

10. Manage home pest control thoroughly

Pest control is a gradual process. You can’t just expect to exterminate pests overnight. It may take time to get rid of pests for good. So, be thorough and do the above checks regularly.

Bring in a pest control expert

Suspect you have bugs or rodents in your home, restaurant, hotel, or office building? Get in touch with us.

We will help you remove rodents, bed bugs, and insects quickly and safely until the job is done.

If you’re looking for reliable 24-hour pest control companies in the San Francisco Bay Area: Call MATRIX Pest Elimination at 1-800-596-0313 to book a free pest inspection or visit our website .

This article was posted in Pest Control Services