When the weather cools off and winter sets in, most animals hibernate until spring. Unfortunately for us, there are several pests that don’t hibernate – and instead make their way into our homes in search of shelter, food, water, and warmth. Here are a few common winter pests and prevention tips for keeping them out:

RODENTS:

Mice and rats will seek shelter and warmth in the winter, along with a supply of food. Squirrels will often make their way indoors in search of warm shelter to build their nests.

• Cover chimneys with chimney caps.
• Replace damaged roof tiles and shingles.
• Keep garages and attics cleared and tidy.
• Cover air vents with wire mesh.
• Seal cracks and holes around pipes with caulk or expanding foam.
• Store food and pet food in airtight containers.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes out.
• Wipe down counters and sweep and vacuum regularly.
• Be sure to clean under sinks, in stoves, and behind appliances.
• Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the house.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

ROACHES:

Roaches are attracted to water and moisture. They will also come indoors in search of food.

• Check for leaky pipes and repair them quickly.
• Seal around pipes with caulk or expanding foam.
• Clear gutters of old leaves and debris.
• Use plastic for storage as roaches are attracted to cardboard.
• Store food and pet food in airtight containers.
• Wipe up crumbs and sweep and vacuum regularly.
• Empty the trash regularly.
• Clean under sinks, in stoves, and behind appliances.

BIRDS & BATS:

Birds and bats will come into your home in search of warm shelter to build their nests. They can get in through any opening in the exterior of your house.

• Seal chimneys with chimney caps.
• Check the exterior of your house and seal any openings with foam rubber or steel wool.
• Keep doors and windows shut.
• Use screens on open windows and keep them in good repair.

FLEAS:

Fleas can come into your home on your pets. Pets often pick up fleas from other pets who are infested or from feral animals who make their way into your yard.

• Treat your pets with flea preventatives either through medicine or shampoos.
• Wash your pet’s bedding, blankets, and other items in hot water regularly.
• Vacuum regularly and be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner each time.
• Keep your grass cut and your shrubbery trimmed.
• Seal entry points on your home and porch to keep wild animals from coming in.
• Put pet food away at night to keep wild animals from coming into your yard to eat it.

BED BUGS:

Bed bugs are hitchhikers and will come into your home on furniture, luggage, boxes, clothes, and bedding.

• Check furniture, bedding, luggage, and clothing carefully before bringing it into your home.
• Use mattress covers that actually encase the entire mattress and box spring.
• Wash and dry your bedding on high heat regularly.
• Wash and dry clothes on high heat after traveling.
• Vacuum regularly.