How to leave pests out in the cold this winter

As the cold weather sets in rodents such as rats & mice become more active.  Their behaviour at this time of year is driven by instinct and the main goal is finding warmth and food, and once they have found it, they aren’t going anywhere!

Here is a closer look at why our homes are the perfect shelter and what we can do to make our properties less appealing:

Warmth & Shelter

Rodents are looking for warm, cosy spots where they can nestle in such as lofts & basements.  They do not care if it’s a one bedroom flat or a 10 bedroom mansion, they do not check you out on trip advisor prior to their arrival! #This is why its so important to inspect your home for any cracks/gaps which are an entry point and repair them immediately.

Food

Within the home there is food everywhere which is a rodent’s paradise! From full cupboards & dropped crumbs to pet food that’s left out there is a readily available meal around the clock. By storing food properly & cleaning up any spillages you can reduce the risk of attracting rodents.

Signs

Look out for signs of an infestation. Rodent droppings, gnaw marks and rodent nests are a sure sign that you have unwanted guests.  Also listen out for scratching or scurrying as this will indicate that rodents are active in your walls or ceilings where you wont necessarily see the signs.

Conclusion

Not only are rodents in the home a health hazard, spreading numerous diseases and a trigger for asthma & allergies, they can also cause extensive property damage.  They gnaw on wood, plastic and even electrical wiring which poses a fire hazard.   Prevention is paramount in ensuring winter pests do not take over your home.  If you are unable to control rodents with tried and tested at home methods such as traps and natural deterrents, it may be time to call in the professional pest control.