7 Ways to Prep Your Vancouver Home for Winter Pests
As we move into the colder winter months, pests tend to move indoors. As you prepare your home for Winter in Vancouver, here are 7 things you should consider to have a pest-free cold season.
Research
It seems like an obvious first step, but to adequately prepare your home for Winter, you’ll want to do some research into what pests are prevalent in Vancouver. It’s important to know just which critters you’ll be watching for. You want to know what types of pests and insects are in the area and how to get rid of them or prevent pests from entering your home. Our Pest Library can serve as an excellent resource, outlining many of the common pests in the Vancouver area. If you think you may already have a pest problem, give us a call and set up an inspection. Our dedicated team will find and identify your pests, as well as provide a detailed path to a pest-free winter.
Seal Up Your Home
If there are cracks, crevices, or holes in your home’s exterior, you’ll want to seal them up before winter hits and pests can find their way inside. This includes areas like utility entrances and siding cracks. At times, these areas are the main entry point for pests and if they can’t get in through them, they won’t be able to enter your home and cause damage.
Get Your Insulation Right
You need proper insulation. Insulation is the “cushion” around your home that keeps it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. While insulation is important for temperature regulation, often overlooked is its importance in controlling pests and bugs. Damaged insulation, especially insulation that has accumulated moisture, can play home to developing insects. If your exterior building material is old or not in good condition, you should upgrade it before winter hits to keep your insulation protected and your home pest-free.
Seal up the Potential Entry Points
Doors and Windows – Entry ways like windows and doors should have mesh screens are unbroken and without holes. Replace the screen fully or promptly patch up any tears you notice. Fill in any cracks or spaces around your windows and doors with weatherproof, silicone, or acrylic latex caulk. Make sure that the
In order to avoid potential nesting sites, the bottom of your garage door should be fitted with a rubber seal and objects kept above the floor in plastic containers.
Attic – To control rodents, such as rats, mice, and squirrels, tendency to establish a cozy home in your attic, make sure to check for signs of infestation. These pests can survive unnoticed for longer periods of time in these less-used locations before making their way into other parts of your home.
Roof – Examine your roof and make any necessary repairs to cracked or missing tiles. Keep your attic clear of clutter and store stuff there in plastic containers rather than cardboard ones.
Pipes and drains – Cockroaches adore moist environments more than anything else. By checking your downspouts and gutters frequently for leaks, you can keep these pests out. Fix any damage using a gutter sealant and clear any blockages, such as fallen leaves.
Chimneys – Birds, bats, and other pests will try to enter through a chimney. Keep them out of your home’s walls by covering attic vents with wire mesh or installing a chimney cap.
Get Planning
You should schedule a time in early winter to go over your home with a professional to look for any potential entry points and cracks. The earlier, the better since you won’t be waiting for the pests (and the expensive damage they may cause). Many people wait until the very end of winter to look for pests while they’re already inside their homes and causing problems.
Be careful where you walk, drive and have fun around your home
There are numerous ways pests will come into your home as they search for warmth or food. High-traffic areas of your home are subject to more use, more wear-and-tear, and more opportunities for pest entry. Keep entryways closed and sealed. Treat garages and mudrooms for pest presence early to prevent pests from making their way into your home. Make sure your shed is cleared out and your lawn mower, leaf blower, and other yard equipment are stored, with pest prevention measures in place.
Home Exteriors – Prevent insect infestations by taking the same precautions on the outside of your house as you would inside.
Wood piles – Keep woodpiles away from your house and tidy up any branches and shrub trimmings that are on your grass. Larger rats will thrive in an untidy yard’s hiding places and shelter, and woodpiles draw them in.
When winter hits and there is a heavy storm, pests that are trying to stay warm are going to find their way inside. They will come in through cracks, holes, or other ways and cause big problems, so it is best to plan ahead and do your research before winter starts.
All Green Pest Control is the leading provider of pest control services in Vancouver. Contact us to put a plan in place for your winter pest control and save 10% on seasonal pest management services.