During the winter, there’s nothing like curling up on the couch and enjoying your home heating while Mother Nature does her worst. Unfortunately, numerous household pests are also interested in escaping the single-digit temperatures outside, and if you don’t take a few basic precautions, you could be putting out the welcome mat for them!

The good news is that The Bug Man is a phone call away, and we specialize in insect and rodent control, as well as humane animal removal for larger pests. The best defense against an infestation is a good offense, and the most effective way to deal with an infestation is to stop it before it begins. We’re always glad to offer specific recommendations for your home, but there are some other things that you can do on your own.

Seal up drafts-if you feel cold blasts of air around your windows or under your door jambs, you’re probably spending too much on your home heating costs. And if cold air is getting in, then you have openings large enough for insects and rodents to squeeze through. Investing in storm windows and doors can solve this problem, but if that’s not something that you can currently afford, inexpensive weatherstripping can tide you over. We also carry door sweeps that are particularly effective at sealing up the bottom of door jambs.

Inspect your roofline-Rain, snow, and ice can wreak havoc on a roofline, and you should constantly be on the lookout for water damage on your soffits and fascia. Water damage is less of an issue under eaves, but larger pests like raccoons and Opossums can often push their way in if a corner comes loose.

Be careful where you store your firewood-The only drawback to enjoying a crackling fire is the occasional trip outside to bring in more firewood, and you may be tempted to pile it up next to your home. The only problem is that this provides a habitat for numerous pests, particularly termites, who don’t know when the firewood ends and your home begins. If you don’t have a covered patio, your best bet is to store your firewood on pallets at least 10-20 feet from your back door, and cover it with plastic.

If you have any questions, or want to schedule a service call, contact us online, or at (501)663-9464.