Nov 3, 2015, 13:33 PM by Fred Speer

Eight wither tips to pest proof your home

As days get shorter and temperatures drop, the time you spend indoors begins to increase. Pests want to come indoors, too. The Clark Man reminds homeowners that rodents, cockroaches and spiders may try to find their way inside to escape the winter weather.

Besides simply being a nuisance and annoyance, these invading pests can also pose serious risks — rodents spread diseases such asSalmonella and E. coli, contaminate food, and damage drywall and electrical wires throughout a home. Cockroaches trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. Some spiders may bite if their hiding spots are discovered.

Protecting your home from a visit by unwanted pests starts with a good dose of prevention – regardless of the season. One of the best ways to get your homes ready for winter is to conduct a simple check of potential pest routes inside and then perform any necessary maintenance. 

Being proactive when it comes to pest-proofing your home this fall is an important step homeowners can take in preventing pests from coming indoors. 

How do you keep pests out of your family’s living space? The Clark Man and his team of residential pest management experts service thousands of homes each month, and have collected a thick file folder (or notes on the iPad) of helpful, easy-to-follow tips you can follow to keep pests on the outside looking in.

The Clark Man’s list of Eight Helpful Winter Home Pest-proofing Tips includes:

1. Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys
   
   
2. Eliminate moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains, and repair broken irrigation systems
   
   
3. Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool – pay close attention where utility pipes enter the structure.
   
   
4. Store food in airtight containers and regularly dispose of garbage in sealed receptacles
   
   
5. Replace loose mortar and weatherstripping around the basement foundation and windows
   
   
6. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well trimmed
   
   
7. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens
   
   
8. Inspect items such as boxes of decorations and grocery bags before bringing them indoors

If these helpful tips do not keep pests out of your home, you may need an expert set of eyes and hands to help. Call or text Clark Pest Control at (800) 936-3339 or drop me an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com. We will come out and conduct a thorough inspection and make any necessary treatment recommendations.

 

Until next time, I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.