719-661-5310When the cold months arrive, we start to prepare by checking our furnace filters, dusting off snow boots, and battening down the hatches. However, it is not only us who will be preparing for a long winter but also a range of pests yearning for the same thing – a warm place to hibernate when the weather outside is freezing.
There is more to winter pest prevention for Colorado homes than just spraying the garden with insect repellent. It involves defending our homes against persistent intruders who might also cause destruction. It is important to know these types of invaders by analyzing why they are trying to get in and how you can repel them from your home. This article looks at exactly that.
The Unwanted Winter Guests
There are many characters looking to crash your Colorado winter.As a homeowner here, you are likely to encounter a couple of them.
Spider In Colorado Can Be A Nuisance
For instance, mice and rats are quite common here. They can be quite a nuisance because they are able to slither even through the tiniest of holes. They usually settle in the attic, wall cavity, or behind your kitchen cabinets. This is because these areas provide perfect coverage from the cold. The problem is not that they exist but the fact that they chew through wires, insulation, and stored items, in addition to the health hazard they present.
Another pest you may deal with is spiders. Although they are generally harmless, nobody wants an excessive number of them inside. They tend to move after their prey. Spiders will definitely be eating any other insects entering your home. You can consider it a sign of an infestation if you notice webs on corners or ceilings.
You may also have to deal with cluster flies. Instead of reproducing in your home, they hibernate inside your walls and attic before emerging confused when the heating is turned on. Extreme numbers can be concerning, but they are primarily a nuisance.
Raccoons and squirrels are larger mammals that you are also likely to encounter. They mostly look for weak points to exploit, like a loose roof vent, a curled soffit, or a weak point around the chimney. An attic is an ideal, secure nest position for them, but their occupation can cause immense structural damage and noise.
Your DIY Winter Prevention Plan
The goal of winter insect control is making your home as uninviting and inaccessible as possible for invasion. This usually doesn’t require fancy gear, just a watchful eye and some weekend afternoon time. With a can of quality-grade silicone caulk and some weather-stripping, walk around the outside of your house. Inspect siding or foundation cracks, openings below garage doors, windows and door frame openings, and areas where wires and utilities enter the foundation. Seal up large holes with items like chewing-resistant foam sealant, steel wool, or hardware cloth.
Check the roof for tree branches that are touching or hanging over your roof and prune the branches. This is crucial because they tend to create pathways for raccoons and squirrels. Using binoculars from the ground, or safely from a distance, look for loose, curled, or missing shingles and vents along your roofline.
Pests always linger where they can easily access food. It is advisable to keep pantry foods in tightly covered containers. The trash cans also need to be closed securely to prevent infestation. Also check for leaks around equipment, under sinks or in basements. A small drip provides the water many pests need to survive. Ensuring your crawl space is dry and ventilated is also necessary.
When to Call the Experts
There is much you can handle yourself, but some issues require a professional touch. If you have heard running or scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, seen obvious droppings, or observed a likely entry point already used, reach out to CM Pest Control’s services.
We are seasoned professionals who don’t just bait and quit. Instead, we perform a thorough inspection to find all the areas where they can enter. We don’t just deal with those pests you see. Instead, we find how they are getting in and why they’ve invaded your home. Doing this enables us to come up with the best possible remedy.
As a property owner in Colorado, there is a very high chance that you will experience pests in your home. This is especially true during winter. Luckily, there are many measures you can implement to deal with infestations. For incredible results, consider entrusting the right experts. At CM Pest Control, we’ll help you keep critters at bay for good.
