Much of the country is experiencing those first signs of fall. Whether it be that first chill in the morning air, the leaves beginning to take on a new color or the pumpkin spice offering at the local coffee shop, all of the signs are upon us that fall is approaching. Humans are not the only species attuned to those early signs that the seasons are changing. Over-wintering pests such as stink bugs, boxelder bugs and rodents all sense that the cold months are approaching and will begin to prepare accordingly.
You as a homeowner can do your own preparations to ensure those unwanted house guests remain on the outside looking in this winter. Follow these prevention steps and protect your home, just as a pest professional would:
- Tidy the Lawn: Rodents and insects will seek out shelter in leaf piles or other debris that may accumulate around the home. Rake up lawn clippings, fallen leaves, and twigs. Trim overgrown tree branches and bushes that extend close to the home and may allow rodents or other pests access. We also suggest eliminating any bird feeders close to the home as the seed attracts rodents.
- Inspect: While the weather is still relatively warm it is a good time to inspect. Walk around the perimeter of your home looking for openings that mice, squirrels, bugs and other pests can enter. Pay particular attention to areas where plumbing, utilities and vents enter the home. Inspection sounds easy, but it can be a daunting task. Remember, a mouse can fit in a hole that is a quarter of an inch in diameter. That means, if you can fit a #2 pencil through a hole, then a mouse can use that hole to gain access to your home. You will need to inspect not only the ground level, but on upper levels of your home as well. With the right surface, mice and other rodents can access your home through openings in your roof or gaps between the bricks and soffit. While inspecting from inside of the attic, look for signs of daylight entering through openings. Those will need to be addressed.
- Exclude: Once openings have been identified, you will need a variety of materials for the next step of exclusion. Copper mesh screen, steel wool and caulk can all be used to fill in small openings into your home. Larger gaps may need to be addressed with carpentry work by yourself or a handyman. Be sure rodents cannot gnaw through the materials selected to do exclusion work.
- Monitor: To really safeguard your home like a pest professional would, you will want to set down monitors in places pests and rodents are likely to enter. Catchmaster makes glue products for every inch of your home! From standard, flat glue boards to foldable traps, cold area traps, traps created for use around plumbing as well as those for use inside of a rodent station. Click here to find every type of glue monitor you may need around your home. Proper placement is key and always keep open glue products out of reach of children and pets.
We recommend the Catchmaster Multi-Catch Mouse Trap & Glue Board Traps, the perfect product for homes with pets and children. Works in commonly infested areas such as under the sink or in your garage. This trap is ideal to capture pests during the change of seasons when the first frost pushes rodents and crawling insects like spiders and roaches inside. Place glue boards or traps near areas you have seen mice or pests before, or areas they are most likely to enter. Since mice travel along walls, you will want to place your product of choice flush against the wall. Be sure to check monitors regularly.
Uncovering a pest infestation early can save you time, money and a lot of frustration. Employ the steps listed above or contact your local pest professional before the cold weather sets in to keep out unwanted house guests this season.
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-Bobby