Keeping your home pest-free so you can enjoy the cooler weather
Winter in Austin may not be a snowy wonderland, but it’s still cold enough to make the warmth of your home seem inviting to pests. From crawling insects to creeping rodents, here’s how to banish these intruders and take back control of the house.
Clear Yard Clutter
Pests hiding in outdoor messes can easily move indoors if you don’t clean up before winter. Clear the leaves out of gutters and sweep them off the porch. Move mulch away from the house and get rid of anything else that might provide a warm, damp haven for cold-weather pests.
Burn Bridges
While you don’t literally want to burn anything, it’s a good idea to check for overhanging tree branches and other potential gateways for pests to enter your home. Wood piles kept next to the house are another prime example of pest habitats. Relocate the wood and trim the trees to keep pests at bay.
Close Doors
The tiniest of cracks can be a wide-open door for bugs to enter your home, and mice don’t need a lot of space to get in, either. Inspect the house both inside and out for cracks and gaps. Then break out the caulking, insulation and weather stripping to seal up what you find. Close up any openings under the eaves and around the chimney to keep larger animals such as raccoons and squirrels out of the attic.
Stop the Buffet
All pests are attracted to food. Make sure they can’t get at it easily by sealing enticing tidbits in chew-proof containers. This includes dry pet food, a particular favorite of mice. Never leave food sitting out on the counter and clean up messes from meal preparation right away. If anything spills or drops on the floor, take the time to find it and get rid of it before it becomes a pest magnet.
Clean the House
This may sound like an obvious pest control tip, but it’s even more important when cold weather is driving bugs and rodents into your home. Regular vacuuming and clean countertops are a must—it ensures that small, unseen food crumbs are eliminated.
If you’ve tried all these methods and are still overrun with irritating pests, call ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our trained specialists are fully equipped to handle all of your winter pest control needs. We’ll put a stop to the invasion and work to make sure that your home remains pest-free all season.