Protect Home from Winter Pests

Rodents and insects are keen at detecting and exploring areas that lose heat and moisture, so steps to pest proof the home are similar to those that increase energy efficiency: sealing cracks and crevices, caulking around window frames, fitting outside doors with weather stripping, and plugging small holes. Utility openings such as gaps around outdoor faucets, gas meters, dryer vents, electrical wiring and plumbing under sinks and behind washing machines should be sealed.

If rodents are a concern, stuff the gaps with steel wool first and seal with expandable foam. For nuisance insect pests – such as elm leaf beetles and red-shouldered bugs that can congregate in large numbers inside – install insect screening behind attic and crawl space vents. If beetles congregate outside, cleaning with a mild detergent will remove material that may attract other beetles to the site.

Store garbage in a sealed container and rinse out recyclables such as cans and replace the lids on plastic bottles. Eliminate piles of debris and leaves, and stack wood off of the ground on pallets.

Eliminate moisture sources in the home – such as repairing leaky pipes, improving ventilation in the attic and crawl space, picking up pet dishes at night, and checking the condensation pan under the refrigerator. Drain covers placed over drains at night can reduce cockroach and mothfly incidences – a plastic bag filled with water and placed over the drain is a good substitute.

The next step in deterring pests is to keep the area free of dust and debris by vacuuming on a regular basis. A vacuum with a HEPA filter removes fine debris and traps particles, which may otherwise be a source of allergens. Sweeping pushes debris into cracks and crevices instead of permanently removing them. Counter tops and inside cabinets should be wiped with detergent to remove scent trails left by pests, and food should be kept in sealed plastic containers.

Story by R. Gary Smith, associate director, Environmental Services