Take Precautions Against a Variety of Pests This Winter

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - Jan. 5, 2015 - PRLog -- Fredericksburg, Virginia (January 5, 2015) – When Old Man Winter arrives, some pests go into hibernation while others move indoors in search of food and warmth away from the impending snowy weather. PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control, a pest management company servicing Northern and Central Virginia, encourages homeowners to brush up on some tips to protect their home from a variety pesky invaders over the next few months.

“Many people are under the impression that pests don’t cause problems in the winter,” said Kevin Walsh, Entomologist and Technical Adviser for PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control. “However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, when it is cold and snowy outside, rodents, wild animals and small pests are forced to seek shelter in warm structures, which often include our homes.”

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggests following this simple pest prevention guide to avoid an infestation this winter.

Rats: Norway rats can fit through an opening as small as a quarter. To keep these rodents from sneaking into the home unnoticed, inspect the outside of the home for any gaps or cracks and fill them with silicone caulk and steel wool.

Mice: House mice are known to contaminate food, spread disease and cause property damage by chewing through drywall and wires or by foraging on countertops and in kitchen cabinets. Homeowners should be aware of any scurrying sounds in walls and regularly inspect for signs of mice, such as droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food.

Spiders: Many types of spiders are found inside items, such as shoes, gloves and baseball mitts, that aren’t used as frequently as other things around the house. People should store these items inside plastic containers to prevent spiders from crawling inside.

Cockroaches: German cockroaches prefer to live in cracks and crevices close to food and moisture, which is why they are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. As such, homeowners should keep their counters and floors clean, vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage on a regular basis.

Raccoons: This type of wild animal occasionally enters homes through attics or chimneys in search of a nesting site. Homeowners should install a mesh cover or cap over chimneys and other exposed openings to prevent entry. It’s also a good idea to install door sweeps and repair damaged screens in windows.

For more information on winter pests, visit http://www.PermaTreat.com.