Generally speaking, the last thing someone thinks about during the winter is pest control. The focus during the winter is usually on frozen pipes, icy sidewalks, icicles falling from gutters, broken heaters, frozen pipes, but pest control!?!
Of course, frozen pipes, ice, downed trees and power lines are the problems that most homeowners dread; however, the real threat may be living with you and your warm and cozy home. Ask any pest control expert and they’ll gladly tell you, mice and rats, cockroaches and spiders are notoriously relentless intruders – capable of breaching even hairline cracks in the home exterior. Not addressing winter pest control as a real issue could cause extensive and expensive damage to your home in the long run.
Once they gain entry to your home, insects and rodents gnaw through wood, wires, and drywall, gradually but inevitably leaving no small amount of destruction in their wake. Even their nesting—in dark, warm, often moist crevices—typically results in rotten wood and mold growth, either or both of which undermine the integrity and longevity of your home. The good news is that a professional pest control technician can help you get rid of your infestations as well as prevent new ones. After conducting your thorough investigation you’ll be aware of multiple points of entry for pests and cold air.
Milberger Pest Control has been helping homeowners with pest control issues since 1936. We suggest having quarterly pest control as well as following these best practices for pest prevention:
- Trim back trees to bar rodents from easy access to the underside of your roof overhang.
- Declutter the basement, attic, and any utility rooms so as to eliminate any potential nesting grounds.
- Examine the fascia board along the roofline, replacing any areas of rotted wood.
- Repair loose mortar and replace worn weather-stripping around all windows and doors.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep crumbs off the floor.
- Seal any and all cracks or gaps on the home exterior with a silicone-based caulk.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home, not only off the ground but also covered.
- Avoid ice dams by using a roof rake to dissipate potentially problematic accumulations of snow.
- Hire a professional sweep to clean the stack, inspect the flue, and install a cap over the chimney.
Always be on the lookout for the telltale signs of an ongoing infestation—chewed box corners, say, or piles of sawdust where you wouldn’t have expected to encounter them. At the same time, however, remember that many people whose homes suffer pest damage don’t realize there’s a pest control problem until it’s too late. If you’re concerned about insects or rodents on your property, don’t hesitate to call us, Milberger Pest Control. Our technicians are trained to pinpoint the obvious and not-so-obvious signs of an infestation. We are licensed pest control professionals and can advise you on how best to ensure the continued protection of your home.