If you’re in Calgary, the winters aren’t easy, as they are long and harsh, and you definitely prepare for them beforehand.
From buying warm coats to getting cozy blankets, the preparation is essential.
Likewise, pests are also all set to find a warm spapests in commercialce and food, and this can probably be your home.
When the temperature gets low, rodents, spiders, and other pests are looking for a safe shelter with food and warmth.
It is always recommended to take precautions before the pests arrive for maximum benefits and outcomes.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know for preparing your home for winter pests in Calgary to ensure a peaceful and hygienic season.
Before diving in, remember that help is always available, even if you’re not able to do it alone. Professional pest control services, such as YYC Pest Control, have the expertise and tools to keep your home rodent-free.
Common Winter Pests in Calgary
The most common winter pests in Calgary include the following, which you should address in a timely manner.
1. Mice and Rats
Despite their small nature, mice and rats are fast and destructive, chewing electronics and plastic materials. They breed quickly, so even spotting one mouse could mean several are already hiding.
2 . Spiders
Spiders are harmless, but when provided with peaceful and dark spaces such as attics or basements, they grow vigorously. Some species multiply rapidly indoors, leaving messy webs that make your space uncomfortable.
3. Cockroaches
Moist and warm spaces are their priorities, and cockroaches are known as bacterial carriers. Known for resilience, once they infest, DIY removal becomes nearly impossible.
4 . Flies and Ants
In addition to being annoying, flies and ants can contaminate food and disrupt your comfort. They may seem seasonal, but in warm indoor spaces, they thrive year-round.
How Pests Get Inside
If you think your home is perfectly sealed for pests to get inside, you're probably wrong. Whether it's a mouse or an insect, they can fit through even a small hole.
The most common entry points for pests into your home include cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and vents. After getting into the house, they tend to find a warm space and food. Calgary homes often have older foundations that naturally develop small cracks over time. Even newly built homes aren’t immune; garage doors, dryer vents, and attic spaces provide hidden pathways for pests
Tips to Prepare Your Home
Are you ready to prepare your home for pest-free winters?
Here are some practical and advantageous tips to take and keep pests away.
1. Seal Entry Points
The first and most important step to get your home ready for winter pests is to block the entry points.
It's not a task that can be completed in a day or two. Get enough time to thoroughly find all the cracks, holes, and gaps inside and outside of your home. Once you locate all the access points, seal them completely.
2. Store Food Properly
Food is the major attraction for several pests. Make sure to keep all the dry food items in airtight containers and clear the kitchen counters before you leave.
Cleaning the floor and wiping the counters regularly can help maintain good cleaning standards and prevent pests.
3 . Declutter and Deep Clean
Messy and cluttered spaces give pests space to hide, and that's why they're always in search of them. Garages, basements, and attics are the most favorite spaces for spiders and rodents.
Also, ensure to deeply clean and declutter the home thoroughly after each season. Thus, small shifts can be influential, such as switching from cardboard boxes to plastic bins.
3. Fix Moisture Problems
Damp spaces and leakages are considered favorable for pests.
Insulating leaky pipes, repairing dripping taps, and maintaining good ventilation can help keep pests away.
4. Outdoor Precautions
Burning the firewood or storing piles are common outdoor practices. However, they attract insects and rodents.
It is recommended to do such practices at least 1 to 20 feet away from your home. Moreover, cutting and trimming of bushes and unnecessary bushes are also helpful in avoiding pests.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional
Don't worry that, in spite of taking several precautions, the pests find their way inside your home.
