It’s that time of year again when we all tend to migrate indoors—including the rodents. The cooler weather brings mice, rats, raccoons, squirrels, and other critters into your home. In addition to the critters, insects will take over, and “winter burn” can wreak havoc on your trees.
Cold Weather Pest Control
To avoid damage to your home and property, stay on the lookout for these common offenders and take action.
Seal off cracks that invite rodents in
Clean out your garage, and shed, and seal all food in airtight containers. Otherwise, the mice and rats lurking and seeking shelter and food will move in during these cooler months. That bag of birdseed in your garage is an invitation. Also, clear your gutters of leaves and seal cracks around the base of your home.
Checking for a pest problem is much easier after you’ve cleared out your clutter, so take some time to clean out the garage, basement, and attic.\
Rake leaves and store firewood away from the home
Did you know piles of leaves can attract and mask insect problems? Also, decaying, wet firewood? Rake leaves and store your firewood away from your house. Also, check the exterior perimeter of your home before leaves fall and snow covers the ground for any noticeable cracks or holes in the dirt leading to under your porch.
Carpenter ants will damage the structure of your home and odorous house ants can contaminate food. Again, seal all cracks. Eliminate sources of standing water and seal tight food containers. Trim back those tree branches that may happen to touch your home. You can always purchase the taro syrup at your local hardware store to poison the ants, but it’s a good idea to have a professional check to be sure there isn’t an infestation or damage that you don’t know about happening.
Repair damaged screens, vacuum often, and watch those drains
Did you know cockroaches can cause asthma in children? They also spread more than 30 types of bacteria if they move into your home. Keep your kitchens and bathrooms well sanitized and vacuum often to prevent these pests from hanging around—often in drains and pipes.
Ladybugs, Cluster flies, and Box Elder bugs will enter through cracks or damaged window screens and stain your curtains and carpet with their droppings. You might notice them on the sunny side of your home. Vacuum often and seal those cracks.
Continue to water your plants during the winter months
Winter burn is a form of dehydration of evergreens (including boxwood, holly, rhododendron, and most coniferous species). When the tree roots lose water through transpiration, they need to be watered more.
How do you know? You can identify winter burns on your trees if the leaves turn and needles brown, as a result of damage to the leaf tips or outer leaf margins.
In addition to watering your plants, wrap plants with burlap and put up windbreaks. This will help them retain moisture and offer wind protection.
