While people are generally more aware of pests in the summer, it’s important to be aware that winter can see pest problems arise too. Your home contains warmth, food, moisture, and shelter that can make it an attractive place for many types of pests.
The team at AGJ Pest Management has some general tips for dealing with winter pests.
Avoid Leaving Food Scraps
Mice, rats, ants, cockroaches – they all are attracted to food. Throw out food scraps immediately when you’re done with them, wash your dishes, and regularly take out the garbage. Festering food is a sure fire way to attract pests.
It might also be a good idea to move your garbage bins further away from your home – to keep some potential distance between pests looking through the garbage and their next available opportunity.
Seal Holes and Cracks in Your Home
It’s important to keep holes, gaps, cracks sealed – especially in places that could be particularly attractive to pests – for instance where there is food or where there is greater warmth and moisture.
But you should endeavour to seal all gaps. This is particularly important for older homes – which will be more at risk. Places to check are the pantry, the ceiling cavity, garage and back doors etc.
Trim Trees and Plants That Contact Your Home
Trees and plants can create an attractive bridge to your home for pests. Possums in trees can gain access to the roof and potentially inside the roof if there is a gap. If you have fruit trees – which possums are likely to feed on – be particularly vigilant. Contact between a shrub and a windowsill can provide a bridge for ants and insects to enter your home.
Invest in Proper Storage Boxes
Your shed and garage ill generally be more susceptible to pests than the rest of your home. Cardboard boxes are a bad choice for storing belongings from a pest control perspective. Cardboard absorbs moisture and can go mouldy – providing a more likely habitat for insects, bugs and the like. Cardboard also doesn’t prevent a secure barrier from rats and mice – which will simply eat through the cardboard if necessary.
Prefer plastic and metal airtight containers – in addition to having your shed and garage as well sealed as possible.
Deprive Pests of Potential Habitats
Pests thrive in a disordered environment where dirt accumulates, or where they are left potentially undisturbed and can hide from human eyes. Clothes on the floor can be home for mites and bed bugs. Old garbage and garden waste can be a prime habitat for insects and rats.
Keep a tidy environment and regularly clean surfaces to deprive pests of attractive places to call home.
Pets
Obviously your pooch or cat can be a carrier for pests as well as creating an environment more conducive to pests flourishing. Look after your pet’s hygiene, giving them regular washes, and be sure to pick up after them diligently. Put away their food at night as well as you would with your own – so as not to attract pests.
The best way you can prevent pest infestations is to take preventative measures. Contact us today to find out how you can best protect your home against pests this winter. And remember to keep up to date with the latest pest control news on our blog!
