If you were to find a nice, warm place to hole up for the long, cold winter, wouldn’t you rather be in there than outside? This is why mice, bats, raccoons, and other winter pests end up in your home and walls during the colder months rather than out in the woods and trees, where you’d like them to be. It’s likely that you don’t want those creatures to be your new residents, though, so, follow these tips to get them out the door.
Unwanted Attic Visits from Winter Pests
Winter pests come in a few different sizes, but all have their own kinds of frustration. The best offense is a good defense, which means that you should work to take preventative measures so that the animals aren’t even able to enter the structure. Unfortunately, this is a difficult feat given how easily they can slip through cracks and holes (“mice can wriggle through an opening just ¼ inch across”) and make themselves at home within.
The process of plugging up these holes is called “exclusion” by the pros for fairly obvious reasons. It also includes other steps, like keeping doors and windows shut tight and garages closed as often as possible. There are likely even little crannies that you don’t even know are there, so consider asking a professional to do a quick check around the exterior to check. If there are some unattended openings, then you can take care of things yourself or have the place sealed up professionally.
Despite your best efforts, you may still hear the pitter-patter of tiny, unwanted feet up above your head or behind you in the walls. It’s like something from a scary movie; you hear sounds and maybe find evidence, but don’t ever see the culprit. There are also, likely, a dozen culprits, considering how fast many of these winter pests can reproduce. Not only do they bring noise and mess into your basement, attic, and crawlspaces, but they carry the potential for a variety of diseases which can be contracted by humans.
If you can afford it or don’t have a stomach for DIY pest removal, hire a professional. That way, you’ll know for sure that the problem is solved (especially if you had all those exterior holes plugged up earlier). If you would rather take care of things yourself, make sure that you know the laws about handling pests in your state. Also, research safety precautions for using poison or traps so that you don’t hurt yourself in the process.
Winter pests can be huge problems for the entire home, inside and out. Make sure that your roof is without any holes or breaks that would allow these animals inside; get in touch with Cox Roofing today.
Cox Roofing:
Cox Roofing is a full-service, certified roofing contractor providing residential and commercial roofing services to the state of Maryland, with particular focus on Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County. We pride ourselves on our personalized service which transforms your property into the residence or business of your dreams. Get in touch for your free estimate today.
