There are three pests that make themselves apparent each winter in homes as they forage for food and warmth. They are the most common pests to invade homes in the cold winter months and each year surprise homeowners when they are spotted them in the spring. These three pests are cunning and often have new and inventive ways to wiggle into a home. Consider these tips to keep rats, mice and squirrels out of your house.
This Old House noted that these three pests account for more than 80 percent of infestations in homes. Each pest has its own way of wiggling into a home. For mice, it only takes a hole that is a one-quarter inch. For rats, it still doesn't take much - three-quarters of an inch will do. Squirrels need the most room, wiggling through 2-and-one-half- inch-holes. Mice and rats share a few common spots of entry that they may try when looking for shelter. These include garages, basements and holes near utility pipes. Squirrels may try a few different areas, including openings in a roof or underneath shingles.
There are a few common signs that one of these big three are in a house. Mice will leave behind droppings the size of a grain of rice and cause the area they've infested to smell like urine. You also might hear the sounds of gnawing at night. Rats will also leave droppings behind, but they'll most likely be the size of a raisin. Homeowners may also notice black smudges around rats' entry and hear skittering at night. As for squirrels, homeowners may notice pieces of their insulation missing or hear noises coming from their attic, the Humane Society of the United States noted.
Homeowners may have to try a few different ways to keep pests out depending on the type of pest they're dealing with. For mice, homeowners may have to stuff holes with copper mesh or bronze wool. Keep rats out with steel wool. Push squirrels out by trimming trees away from the house and repairing any loose shingles. Homeowners can also stop their problems from starting by preventing these pests from coming into their house. Cut off any sources of water, keep pet food hidden and place all stored food in airtight containers that can't be penetrated by a pest's teeth.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
For some, the garage is a primarily a storage unit. If your household is one that keeps its vehicles parked in the driveway, you may have considered clearing out the garage or at least organizing it so that you can better locate your things. Another good reason to do so it because a cluttered garage makes it easier for pests to hide. In the summer months, pests might invade the space looking for some shade. During winter, rodents may take shelter from the cold. Perhaps worst of all, a swarm of bees or wasps could decide that an open wall is the perfect spot to build a nest. For these reasons alone, you should consider cleaning out your garage and inspecting it for pest damage. Read on to learn how:
With autumn in full swing, chances are you're spending more time outside, enjoying the changing colors. Hikes through the forest and walks through the park are great ways of enjoying the outdoors before the cold months of winter come. These activities are so much more enjoyable when you can take your beloved canine company with you. But when you do, you have to be wary about ticks and fleas. These parasites can spread disease at worst and make your pet very itchy at best. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pets pest free.
Resort hotels have an increased risk of pest infestations because there are several potential points of entry. The surrounding environment, food shipments and the guests themselves can all bring pests into the facilities. A solid integrated pest management strategy is important for keeping these pests from becoming a costly problem. Here are a few tips for controlling pests at hotel resorts:
Moths may be small, but they can cause real damage around the house. Some species may infest your kitchen and living room area, while others are notorious for their ability to ruin your favorite clothes. Even in the winter, these flying insects can be a serious nuisance and demand action from homeowners. Here's what you need to know about the different ways moths can infest your home and what you can do about it:
