Pest-Proofing Your Home for Winter

As temperatures drop, rodents and other nuisance pests often look for warm, protected places to nest – including your Pittsburgh home or business. Homes can provide easy access to food, water and shelter, increasing the risk of an unwanted infestation. Taking a proactive approach before and during winter can help protect your property and reduce the chances of pests settling indoors.

Exterior Pest-Proofing Tips

One of the most effective ways to discourage pests is to inspect and secure your property’s exterior.

• Seal small holes, cracks and openings around your property can give rodents and other pests a way inside.
• Repair damaged weatherstripping, and make sure screens fit securely.
• Look around pipes, cables and other areas where utilities enter your home and seal any gaps.
• Pay attention to vents, roofing siding and other vulnerable parts of your structure. Your gutters and downspouts may be attractive to insects, especially if they have debris or still water.
• Eliminate any debris that’s near your property, including rock or compost piles, firewood and hanging tree branches.
• Replace older lightbulbs with yellow or sodium vapor lights to reduce the number of flying pests.

Protecting Your Property from the Inside

Effective winter pest-proofing also involves removing what attracts pests in the first place. Rodents and other animals are more likely to remain near properties that offer dependable food sources and convenient hiding places.

• Also seal any openings you found in your exterior inspection from the inside.
• Store garbage in secure containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Keep food properly stored, and clean up crumbs and spills indoors.
• Keep storage spaces like garages and attics clean and organized as clutter can provide pests a place to hide.

Trust Critter Control® of Pittsburgh for Professional Pest Removal

While pet-proofing techniques can help prevent minor issues, these methods usually aren’t as effective without professional pest removal services. After all, DIY methods can only go so far, especially if the pests are already inside your property. To permanently remove pests, the experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh use a safe and humane, four-step process that includes:

1. Inspection: We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home or business to determine the size and extent of the problem.
2. Removal: Following a plan that fits your needs and budget, we’ll use eco-friendly techniques to remove all pests from your home.
3. Restoration: Any areas damaged or contaminated by the pests are cleaned, sanitized and repaired to their pre-infestation conditions.
4. Exclusion: Located entry points are sealed to prevent re-entry, and we’ll install other exclusion methods on the most vulnerable parts of your property.

The experienced pest removal technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh will quickly and safely remove nuisance pests and other invasive wildlife from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient pest control services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.