Snowbirds from the north flock to Florida in the winter months to enjoy the temperate weather and sunshine. The natives, though, hunker down and wait for the dog days of summer to start barking again.
Florida’s native pest population also likes to find a warm place to spend their winters. Unfortunately, it may be in your walls, attic, or basement as they hibernate or look for a safe, dry place for their offspring. If you go to the attic to retrieve your holiday decorations and see telltale signs of rodents or bugs, it’s time to get help from a trusted Brevard County pest control service.
There are also steps you can take yourself to help ensure a pest-free home. Here are some tips for DIY pest control:
- To prevent mice from taking up residence, trim trees away from your roof and exterior walls.
- Inspect any plants or trees that come into your home. Ticks like to hide in the leaves and branches.
- Take a look at all the storage containers that you bring into your home from the basement, garage, or attic for evidence of pests.
- Store holiday decorations, seasonal items, and clothing in sealed containers to keep pests like roaches and silverfish from invading your home.
- Seal any cracks or openings that are ¼ inch in size and larger to prevent mice and rodents from entering your home. Check cabinets and baseboards for cracks. Smaller cracks can be filled with caulking or spackle.
- Make sure the areas underneath sinks are clean and dry.
- Termites tend to take it easy during the winter months, so this is a great time to get termite exterminators to inspect your home and wipe out any infestations.
- Keep any food, including pet foods, in refrigerators or tightly sealed containers and make sure trash or compost is covered.
- Have your gutters cleaned.
- Call for rodent, inspect, and termite control services if you find evidence of infestation.
Pests do not take a holiday break, and continuing easy, routine pest control maintenance can help keep your home free of unwelcome visitors. While Florida’s winters are relatively mild, pests still look for warm, safe, dry places to nest and birth offspring. By taking preventative pest control measures and acting when you see evidence of pests, you can help make sure that they pass your house by and look for a more hospitable place to winter.