Winter is fast approaching, and with the changing seasons comes colder weather. Preparing for the chilly temperatures means making sure you take all the necessary precautions to “winter-proof” your home.
After you’ve had your furnace serviced, recaulked your windows and doors, flipped the switch upward on your ceiling fans, and had your roof and chimney inspected, your home will be set to be the warm haven you need to get through the cold months.
Unfortunately, while your home may be comfortable for you and your family, it will also be an inviting place for pests and rodents. Even worse, your homeowners insurance will likely not cover damage caused by the unwanted guests, as that damage is deemed preventable.
Rodents can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. They will chew on just about anything they can use to build a nest and they will damage walls, destroy insulation, and compromise your home’s structure. They’ve even been known to chew through electrical wires, which can lead to house fires.
Mice, chipmunks, and squirrels may look very cute. However, the damage they can cause to your home won’t be. Before winter is here, take steps now to prevent them from gaining access. While your first instinct might be to call an exterminator or adopt an army of cats, there are simpler ways to keep the small intruders away. Below are just a few of the steps you can take:
- Store pet food and dry food in plastic containers.
- Don’t store food items low to the ground.
- Avoid storing clothing and other items in cardboard boxes.
- Keep your house (especially the kitchen) clean and tidy.
- Maintain your yard to prevent hiding spots for rodents to live in the warmer months.
- Seal your windows, doors, and any compromised areas of your home’s exterior.
- Clean closets, garages, sheds, and other storage areas at the start of the season to examine these spaces for any sign of pests.
Just like preparing for the cold weather, take time to prepare for all that comes with it. The key to being a Happy Homeowner is taking preventative steps, not waiting to react.