And just like that, warm, dry weather has left and the rainy winter season in Oregon has begun. If you long for the days of summer, you’re not alone. Everywhere, mice, spiders, flies, and fleas have started to search for shelter from the damp, cold outdoor climate. The phone lines at Northwest Pest Control are getting busier and busier. Now is the time to make sure your home does not become their winter retreat.
Your actions should focus on two main areas: eliminating anything in your home that may attract pests and ensuring there are no entry points for them to access the interior.
Here’s how to minimize their chances of getting in:
1. Seal Entry Points
- Cracks, gaps, and holes around your foundation, windows, doors, utility pipes, and vents can be entry points for insects and rodents. They can even get in through gaps in siding on your house.
- Take a good look around and seal spaces with silicone caulk. In a pinch, you can also stuff something like steel wool into a gap to block the opening.
- Around doors and windows, you can use weatherstripping to ensure a tight seal. Adding door sweeps to exterior doors will also help eliminate the chance of a rat or spider crawling in under the door.
2. Maintain Your Yard
- A tidy yard isn’t nearly as enticing to pests as one cluttered with overgrown weeds, shrubs, and areas of decaying wood or even firewood.
- Take the time to trim trees and bushes away from your home and remove dead wood.
- Store your firewood at least 20 feet from the house and inspect logs for insects like ants and beetles before you bring them inside. If pests can’t easily jump from a bush or log pile to your home’s exterior, they will be less tempted to try to get in.
- Also clear gutters and downspouts and direct water away from your foundation. Clogged gutters and pooling water create damp conditions that attract insects.
3. Declutter Inside the Home
- Keeping your home clutter-free is also essential. Pests like places to hide, especially ones near a food supply.
- That garage filled to the rafters and overstuffed pantry scream “Come live here!” to pests. Plenty of hiding spots for nesting with nearby bags of dog food or boxes of cereal to make the space even more attractive.
- Organization and taking actions like using airtight containers for food, cleaning crumbs and spills, and regular vacuuming will deter wandering pests. It might just make your home more livable as well.
4. Manage Moisture
- Pests like moisture. They need water sources too. The leaks from faucets, pipes, or appliances can be as attractive to pests as a hot tub is for humans. Fix the leaks.
- If the humidity levels in your home go up in the winter months as the rain falls, consider using a dehumidifier in areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces, and make sure these spaces are properly ventilated.
- Avoiding excess moisture buildup will keep away pests that thrive in moist environments, like cockroaches and silverfish.
5. Rodent Prevention
- More than likely your house has vents to the outside and many homes have chimneys. These are open tunnels for mice to find their way inside. And it’s not just mice. Squirrels and birds can also get into your home through larger openings. Cover up the spaces with wire mesh.
- If you inspect your attic and basement and see obvious signs of mice, consider placing baited traps along the walls where they travel. If birds, bats, or squirrels invade, it’s time to call for professional help.
6. Keep Trash Secure
Outside critters become pests often when they are just searching for food. A loose lid on a garbage can is a bonanza for rats, ants, raccoons, and even the occasional bear. Keep the trash cans tightly secured and empty them regularly.
7. Preventative Treatments
- Along with physical barriers, good housekeeping, and yard care, you can always turn to pest control sprays or granules around the perimeter of your home to dissuade visitors.
- For a less toxic solution, try essential oils around windows and doors. Many pests dislike the scent of peppermint, lavender, and citrus.
If all else fails, call Northwest Pest Control. We’re happy to chat about your pest problem and come up with solutions.
We’ll inspect your house from top to bottom to identify and close off entryways, remove any pests that are already present, and apply some preventative steps to keep the critters from returning.
We’ll help keep your home pest-free this winter.