Winter Pest Control in North Carolina: How to Prepare
As winter arrives each year in North Carolina, the state experiences cooler temperatures which bugs and rodents find inhospitable. Because of this, many pests – including mice, rats, spiders, ants and roaches – become more persistent about invading our homes during the winter months. Our homes offer a warm shelter from icy temperatures, as well as ready access to various types of food, which generally becomes scarcer in winter.
If you don’t want to share your home with pests this winter, it’s important to take measures to keep them outside. Continue reading to learn more about winter pest control in North Carolina.
6 Ways to Prevent Winter Pest Problems in NC
Seal Entry Points: Before the onset of winter, carefully inspect your home for any gaps or cracks in siding, on the roof, and around the foundation. Seal these entry points with caulk or weather stripping to prevent pests from entering. You may also need to apply fresh weather stripping to windows and exterior doors so small pests like ants and spiders cannot slip in.
Clean & Declutter Your Home: Pests love hiding in cluttered spaces and are attracted to easy food sources, so maintaining cleanliness is crucial. Declutter your home, especially in storage areas like the basement and garage, to reduce hiding spots for pests. Regularly clean and vacuum your home during winter, paying attention to areas where crumbs and food particles may accumulate; otherwise, rodents and roaches might move in to take advantage of the free scraps.
Store Food Carefully: With food sources becoming harder to come by during the winter in North Carolina, many pests infiltrate homes in search of sustenance. Store food in airtight containers to prevent pests from being attracted to your kitchen pantry. This is particularly important for grains, cereals, and pet food, which are favored targets of rats and mice.
Maintain Your Yard: If your yard becomes too habitable for pests, they’re more likely to move into your home. Trim bushes and trees that brush up against your home, as overgrown vegetation can provide hiding spots and pathways for pests to enter. It’s also wise to clear debris from your gutters and ensure good drainage to prevent standing water from pooling and attracting thirsty pests.
Perform Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home in North Carolina during winter to identify any signs of pest activity. Be particularly thorough in remote areas that you don’t frequently enter, including attics, basements, and crawl spaces. These are places where pests often congregate. If you see, hear or smell any signs of pests in your home, address the problem immediately before it worsens.
Hire Professional Pest Control Services: Consider working with a professional pest control company in North Carolina to remove active pest infestations and prevent other pests from finding their way inside. Pest control experts have the knowledge and tools to assess and address specific pest issues more effectively than you’ll be able to with do-it-yourself methods.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Winter
If you’re concerned about pest issues in your home this winter, partner with your local pest control specialists to keep rodents and bugs away. Contact Sustainable Pest Systems today for the best pest control solutions in North Carolina!