As Sacramento begins to experience longer, cooler evenings, we know that we are entering autumn, and shortly after we will be in the cold, rainy days of winter. Pumpkin lattes and football bring the promise of the holidays and cozy days indoors. Unfortunately, the cozy indoors is not just warm and inviting to us and our pets – colder evenings also invite pests into your warm and cozy domicile.
Thankfully, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has plenty of helpful pointers for homeowners to keep unwanted house guests outside where they belong.
- Double check that attic vents, chimney openings, pet doors, and mail slots are properly screened off to avoid openings to the outdoors.
- Check window screens and under doors for openings. Replace torn window screens and install inexpensive door sweepers.
- Walk around the outside of your home and look for crevices and cracks. Seal cracks and holes with silicone caulk. Keep an eye out for the entrances to utility pipes and wiring.
- For larger holes and gaps into your home, use steel wool as well as metal screens to plug holes. Rough fiber and hard metal deter rodents who are otherwise inclined to chew through other materials.