Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Living in Nashville or the surrounding areas in middle Tennessee, you know all too well about how disruptive a winter storm can be. The last thing you want to deal with, on top of the other stressors, is a pest problem. Insects and rodents alike seek out shelter from the snow, ice and low temperatures just like humans and other animals do. Today on the blog, your Nashville pest professionals provide advice on what to do before and during severe winter weather to help safeguard against a pest problem.
Seal off entry points
You want to remove potential access points into your home. Pests will be more persistent in seeking entry as many of the hiding spots or shelters outside would prove inaccessible during a significant snowfall: mulch, loose leaves, stacks of firewood or plantings on the exterior of the house.
As a general rule, if it’s somewhere that cold air can slip into your home, pests can do the same. You want to ensure that doors and windows close fully and there’s no visible daylight around frames. One quick fix: use a roll of plastic sheeting to cover windows, which also helps prevent heat loss.
Make sure not to neglect those places that are out of the way or hidden, such as gaps around pipe penetrations under sinks and behind appliances, attic vents, dryer vents and chimney openings.
Find and resolve problem areas outside the home
These include:
- Cracks in the foundation, which are more prevalent in corners or near any exterior steps
- An improper or broken seal on your garage door
- Damaged weather stripping
- Visible damage to the soffits, fascia and roofline on your roof
- Any wood, leaves or clutter that make contact with the exterior of your home
You can use a waterproof caulk to seal small cracks, whereas bigger gaps may require using something like an expendable foam, that is applied and backed with a sturdy hardware cloth. If rodents are a concern, seal openings with steel wool held in place with sealant.
No food or drink, please
Pests are like any animal; they need food and water to survive. During bad winter weather, pests become especially motivated to find the nourishment and hydration that they need.
Store food in sturdy containers, make sure to clean up any loose crumbs and don’t leave dirty dishes overnight in the sink. Even cardboard can be a food source for certain types of pests.
Trust the pros to help you prepare for pests
Do-it-yourself measures only can do so much when it comes to pest control. That’s why there is such value in hiring the services of a professional pest control company like Ameri Care Services. Our technicians have decades of combined experience in the field. They use their training and expertise to detect signs of an infestation that would go unnoticed by the typical homeowner. Moreover, if an infestation or problem is identified, we can treat the issue with advanced tools and techniques, in combination with professional-grade materials that are safe to use around people and pets.
To find out more, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our technicians by calling (615) 893-7111 or completing our online contact form.