Who Let the Pests In?
As the winter chill sets in, pests often catch us off guard as they seek refuge in the warmth of our homes. Roof rats and mice are notorious for causing immense damage with their ability to squeeze through tiny spaces. Meanwhile, crawling pests such as lady bugs, stink bugs and box elder bugs move indoors to overwinter in cracks and crevices of your home. As Floridians reluctantly turn on their heat this season, remember to take proactive measures to pest-proof your home. You can enjoy a cozy and pest-free winter by staying vigilant and addressing potential entry points.
Roofs: A Common Gateway for Pests
One of the easiest ways pests enter our homes is through the roof. Gaps, cracks and openings in the roof can provide a direct pathway for rodents. Roof rats, agile climbers with a knack for finding vulnerabilities, can exploit even the tiniest spaces. Regular roof inspections and repairs are essential to keep these unwanted visitors at bay.
Eave and Soffit Vulnerabilities: The Unseen Entry Point
Though often overlooked, eave and soffit vents can become entry points for pests seeking warmth, with gaps serving as an open invitation for rodents. Sealing these potential entryways is essential to create a barrier against winter intruders. Proactive measures can save homeowners from the hassle of dealing with infestations later.
Doors and Windows: Frontline Entryways
As doors and windows are humans’ most common access points, pests follow suit in search of shelter. Mice can squeeze through tiny gaps around doors, while ants find their way through tiny cracks in window frames. Regular maintenance of weather stripping, door sweeps and window seals is crucial to preventing these unwanted guests from making themselves at home.
Protect Your Home From Pests
Additionally, to protect your home from potential invasions, it’s crucial to address structural vulnerabilities and environmental factors. Excess moisture, stemming from issues like dripping air conditioning systems or leaks within the home, can create an ideal environment for pests seeking shelter. At Massey Services, we urge homeowners to promptly fix any water-related issues to mitigate the risk of pest infestation, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a structurally secure, dry, sterile environment for potential invaders.
Regular inspections, maintenance and sealing of potential entry points can go a long way in keeping your home pest-free during the winter. If homeowners proactively address vulnerabilities in the roof, eaves, soffits, doors and windows, they can create a defense against Central Florida’s most common winter intruders—rodents and ants.
Adam Jones is the Vice President and Director of Quality Assurance at Massey Services.