Stop Winter Pest Invaders Before They Come Inside!

As the temperature outside begins to fall, creatures of all shapes and sizes start to seek out a warm, sheltered place to take refuge for the winter...primarily your home! This is the time of year that you will begin to see an increase of activity from vermin as well as pests. These include things such as mice, rats, spiders, squirrels, stink bugs, ladybugs, beetles, box elders, and many other creatures coming into your home.

Stopping a pest invasion is more than just eliminating the immediate threat. Prevention of further invasions is the main key. Read below to learn about steps to take to minimize pest entry, and how to detect when pests are present in the house.

Pest Prevention

There are many steps homeowners can take to prevent pest invasion as winter approaches:

• Have a professional come to your home to help find any holes or cracks on the outside of the home. Mice can fit through ¼” diameter holes and juvenile rats can squeeze in through a hole the size of a quarter. A professional is trained to spot the crevices/cracks that they can sneak into and can recommend the correct way to get them all sealed preventing entry of the new appearance of pests.
• Seal cracks and holes that are spotted around the home.
• Check all window screens and repair any rips or tears.
• Trim back shrubbery and branches away from the home so that they can't find an entry point from the roof or other high points on your home.
• If you have stacked firewood, make sure it is at least twenty feet away from the home as well as three feet elevated from ground level.
• As autumn approaches, try not to leave doors or windows open without screens in place.
• Hire a professional to apply a barrier treatment around the perimeter of the property which will exterminate various pests as they attempt to enter the home.

Signs You Have Pests in Your Home:

Once the cold has set in, you may begin seeing signs of pests around the house. Listed below are signs to look for that will help you identify what has invaded your home.

Dead bugs in windowsills: If you see dead insects in your windowsills, you can believe that there are many more hiding away in dark areas you wouldn't be able to see

Pest droppings: Small black droppings on counters, floors, windowsills, or in pantry areas are an indication that a pest infestation (most like vermin) may be present. Tri-County Pest Control are able to identify which kind of pest you have in your home based on the droppings and can recommend a treatment plan

Nesting Evidence: If you find small piles of shredded paper or other material hidden in boxes, nooks, appliances, and other places it is most likely the location of a vermin nest

Odors & Sounds: Different pest secretions give off different odors. Mice secretions will leave a strong, musty smell while rat secretions have a strong odor of ammonia. During the evening, be on the lookout for sounds of pattering feet, scratching on walls, squeaking, or gnawing sounds.

Holes and other signs of gnawing: Finding traces of any form of paper (including Kleenex) that appears to be chewed upon, food packaging in your pantry or cupboard with small bite marks or chewed up electrical wires can all be signs of infestation.

If you suspect any type of infestation, call Tri-County Pest Control at (662) 840-1163 for a free inspection today. With over 25 years of pest control at their disposal, family-owned Tri-County Pest Control has the knowledge and expertise needed to successfully eliminate any pest issues you are currently dealing with. Our quick and efficient service will leave you with peace of mind knowing that once we have completed services at your home/property, you'll be able to relax without the fear of another infestation.