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| Author: Stacey Moore |
As the weather cools, you and your family may not be the only ones seeking warmth and shelter under your roof. When fall and winter arrive, pests-much like people-look for a cozy place indoors to settle down until spring.
According to the experts at Orkin, Inc., fall is the time homeowners should think about pest-proofing their homes to prevent these unwanted guests from moving in during the cold winter months.
For example, many species of rodents venture indoors during cold weather and may continue to dwell in your home even after temperatures warm up. "Most homeowners don't realize that pests are a problem until it's too late," says Orkin, Inc. entomologist Ron Harrison, Ph.D. "Many pests, such as rodents, pose health threats to your family, as they can spread disease and contaminate food. The best way to keep pests from surprising you in the winter is to prevent their entry in the fall."
Several insect species are interested in staying in your comfortable home during the chilly months. Smoky brown cockroaches can sense a temperature decrease of only five degrees and will want to head indoors. Many other insects, such as wasps, ladybug beetles, box elder bugs and cluster flies, can be found around plants and shrubs in your front yard during the summer. As the weather turns cooler, they'll look for warmer spots to spend the winter, so be careful not to make entry too easy.
To keep pests from nesting in your home over the winter, try the following tips this fall:
? Tightly seal all entry points, such as cracks in siding, faulty screens on doors and windows, and gaps around pipes. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, and rats can enter holes the size of a quarter.
? Keep vegetation at least two feet away from the house, as it can serve as a highway for pests to enter your home.
? Inspect firewood. Some ant and roach species are carried indoors on infested firewood, so store it on a raised platform away from the house. Only bring firewood inside your home that you plan to use immediately.
? Keep mulch several feet from your home because insects are attracted to the moisture it holds.
However, if pests show up this winter, it's best to trust an experienced professional to determine the best way to control the infestation. |
Author Bio:
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and DOE. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. Using energy efficiently at home can be as easy as changing a light bulb. |
| You can also reach this article by using: lowes home improvement, home improvement loan, home improvement products, home improvement stores |
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