Winter makes you feel cozy, but it also brings in pests that are looking for warmth and a place to stay. To keep these people from breaking into your home, you need to be vigilant. 

By knowing their habits and using a few easy tips, you can have a pest-free winter. Visit avatapest.com if you need professional help getting rid of pests. 

Secure your home’s defenses. 

Just like you dress up to stay warm in cold weather, pests look for warm, safe places to hide. Pests will want to break into your home because it is warm and inviting. 

Focus on closing off entry places to keep these unwanted guests away. Check your windows, doors, and base very carefully for any gaps or cracks. Pay close attention to places in the house where pipes or wires enter, as these are often easy to get to. 

To properly fix these holes, use caulk or weather stripping. Do not forget about vents, chimneys, and dryer ports; even small holes can let pests in. 

Tame the outdoor environment. 

If you do not take care of your yard properly, it can become an unintentional home for pests. To make them less interested in your property:

• Cut back plants: Keep shrubs and tree leaves at least six inches away from the outside of your house. This gets rid of easy ways for pests to climb up to get in through windows or onto your roof.
• Smartly manage your firewood: Piles of firewood are perfect places for bugs and other pests to hide. Do not keep it in your home. Instead, put it somewhere well-ventilated, at least five feet away.
• Keep your yard clean: Pests can hide in piles of leaves, trash, and other things that are not needed. Remove these on a regular basis to keep them away. 

Cut off their food supply. 

Pests need to find food more than anything else. By keeping them from getting food, you make them much less likely to break into your home.

• Store food correctly: Keep food in containers that keep air out so that pests can not get to it. Quickly clean up any messes or crumbs to get rid of tempting food sources.
• Secure your trash: Use trash cans with lids that fit tightly, and throw away trash regularly. Do not put food scraps or open food items near the trash cans.
• Keep the kitchen clean: Do not leave dirty dishes or bowls for pet food out overnight. Clean the dishes right away and put pet food in containers that can not be opened. 

Address moisture issues. 

Pests love damp places because they are easy for them to survive. To lower the amount of moisture:

• Fix leaks right away: Fix any lines or taps that are leaking right away. Fix any leaks in your roof or base right away as well.
• Increase ventilation: Use air fans in bathrooms and kitchens to get rid of extra wetness and improve ventilation.
• Dehumidify damp areas: Use a dehumidifier in crawl spaces and basements to control the amount of wetness and keep pests away. 

Maintain a pristine home. 

Cleaning your home regularly not only makes it look better but it is also a key part of keeping pests away.

• Vacuum often: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture often, making sure to get into tight spots where bugs could hide.
• Clean surfaces: Clean surfaces like floors, tables, and desks to get rid of crumbs and messes that pests might be interested in.
• Organize and get rid of junk: Pests can hide in clutter. Put things away after you use them, and keep your home clean.

After taking these preventative steps, you can effectively keep pests out of your home during the winter. Remember that prevention is key. You can have a peaceful and pest-free winter by making your home an unwelcoming place for pests to live.