Mice, Mice, Mice!!

Cooler temperatures are coming and you may find a few uninvited guests making their way into your home. Millipedes, crickets and wolf spiders are some common "accidental invaders" that stumble into homes trying to escape the chill of fall. Most of these visitors are not going to cause a problem because they won't be able to survive in the home environment. Commonly, our homes are too dry and there probably will not be enough food to keep these pests alive. However, when they do survive and you find them inside, it is time to give us a call.

Accidental invaders are not the only creatures looking for a safe haven. Mice and rats quickly take advantage of unchecked openings around the home. These creatures, unlike accidental invaders, can take up permanent residence, and control can be more difficult and expensive, if and when they become established.

Protect your home from unwanted guests by "pest-proofing." Take a few moments and allow us to inspect your property and make recommendations that may prevent rodents, snakes and insects from using your home as a winter hideaway.

Here are some things your pest professional will look for:

-Make sure all cracks around the outside of your house are sealed so mice, rats, snakes, and insects can't squeeze in (rats can get through openings 1/2" in diameter--mice can get through holes no bigger than a dime, 1/4"). Openings will need to be filled with something strong like cement, mortar, or caulk. Steel wool can be used as a temporary fix. Stuffing cracks with cloth won't help and rodents may use it for bedding.

-Holes and other rodent damage in your home or garage need to be repaired and protected. Make repairs and if necessary, cover the damage with hardware cloth (1/4" squares). If you cover rodent damage with a piece of wood, rodents may chew through it again.

-Doors, windows, and screens should be in good repair and fit tightly. Caulking will also keep pests out and help lower fuel bills.

-Do your French drains need screens? If so, ask us to help you select the screen size.

-Check around your dryer vent and other openings to make sure they aren't being used as a handy way to get ito your house.

-Check landscaping around the homes perimeter to see if rodents are making use of shrubs as a home. Removing leaves and grass clippings from around the foundation, cleaning out window wells and general yard clean-up will get rid of hiding places for pests.