How to Keep the Pests Out This Winter

The wind howls as snow forms a white wall in front of you. The temperature outside dips into the frigid sub-zeros. Winter has officially arrived.

In these harsh conditions, it’s no wonder that rodents seek the warmth inside our homes in Calgary. While it may seem understandable, those little creatures become pests once they enter your home. When mice or other animals take up residence in your walls and attic, they begin chewing through wires, wooden items and drywall and defecating everywhere.

Not only are pests a nuisance, but they’re also a health hazard. Rodents carry all sorts of nasty diseases, like Salmonella and Hantavirus. Once they find a mate, you’ve got an even bigger problem. That’s when it’s time to call an animal control service, like Cal-Rid Exterminators, in Calgary.

5 Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Home This Winter
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to winterize your home against pests before it becomes a problem.

1. Seal cracks. Cracks in your home’s walls or foundation make easy entry points. Seal all cracks and crevices with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter your home. If you find any large gaps, fill them with pieces of steel wool. Pests are deterred by the roughness of steel fibers and are unable to gnaw through the material.

2. Screen openings. Attic vents and chimney openings serve as easy access for squirrels, raccoons, skunks, mice, rats, and other rodents to enter your home. Covering all potential entry points will help deter them.

3. Replace weather-stripping. Check your basement's foundation and windows for loose weather-stripping and broken or cracked mortar and replace it as necessary. Bear in mind, mice can wiggle through holes the size of a dime, and rats through holes the size of a quarter.

4. Landscape wisely. A thick green shrub or hedge may look nice in the wintertime, but it also makes a cozy harborage site for pests, especially near the warm walls of your home. Make sure you keep shrubbery trimmed and ensure mulch is kept at least 15 inches from your foundation.

5. Replace cardboard storage boxes. If you’re storing items long term, consider moving them into hard plastic bins with tightly sealed lids. That will prevent pests from chewing through the cardboard and nesting alongside your possessions.

If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or observe other signs of a pest infestation, Cal-Rid Exterminators provides licensed pest control services in Airdrie and throughout Calgary. Got questions specifically on mice control? Calgary and Airdrie residents can contact Cal-Rid for more information on eliminating this common winter problem.