3 minute read
Winter Rodent Proofing Your Home
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By Linda Kralik, Resident since 1984, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Drysdale Properties
As the temperatures drop and the winter winds bring the winter storms and the arctic chill, we begin to leave the summer outdoor fun and start the winter hibernation of indoor living. So, let’s picture all of the things you love about winter and living indoors.The wonderful aroma of cookies baking in the oven, the family meals in the kitchen, taking time to read a good book by the crackling fire and especially enjoying hot cocoa under the warmth of a blanket.These are the best of winter indoors. Your home is your shelter from the winter storms and your fortress; it is the ultimate winter destination. It is your opportunity to be warm, dry, comfortable, and well-fed. Your castle. However, these are also the very reasons that rodents and pests are looking to invade your fortress. Here are a few ideas to keep your home protected from the winter invasion of rodents and creepy-crawly pests.
Living next to Open Space, it comes as no surprise that there are numbers of wild life species ready to find comfort in your home. The most common rodent is the rat, frequently looking for an access point to camp out for the winter. What rats really seek out above all else is a food and water source. They are comfortable in dark and damp spaces, so one of their favorite hiding spots is the woodpile. As the wood pile is usually stacked next to the house, nearest to the fireplace door, the rodents use this as the first site for home access. They hide within the stacks looking for an access where they can gnaw through any weak spot getting them in. To eliminate this access, remove the wood stack to an open area at least 20 feet away from the house.
Another entry area where rodents enter the home is through small openings such as vents and chimney pipes. Rats have an ability to enter through a hole that is only ½ inch in diameter! Secure all vent covers and confirm that the chimney has a cap. This is a relatively easy fix, but it is important to use a cover made of wire, not mesh, to keep rodents out. They can gnaw right through the mesh!
Once those rodents gain access to a warm and comfortable space they begin looking for a food source. They are blessed with an incredible sense of smell and now your kitchen and pantry is their grocery store. Review your food storage areas and place all food items in an airtight container. If you want to add an extra deterrent, you could even plant scents that rats find offensive like peppermint oil, or bay leaf, on a shelf inside.
Mice and rats have an incredible ability for squeezing themselves through tiny holes that seem to defy the laws of physics. Often these critters can enter the house by squeezing right under the door itself! The best defense to this intrusion is to install a door sweep which seals the gap between your door and the floor. In addition, this sweep will also help retain heat and regulate temperature inside your home. Be sure to secure door sweeps on all exterior doors.
The above remedies will help prevent a rodent invasion, but what about the Creepy-crawlies? It seems that all of Blackhawk is one big ant hill and an invasion of ants to so disheartening. The best deterrent for ants and spiders looking for a warm dry place is a good pest control company doing regular home pest maintenance. Monthly pest control spraying is an inexpensive cure for those four and sex legged creatures.
I hope you find these ideas interesting and useful. Please feel free to call me regarding any ideas in my articles. LK
