We’re not the only ones who want to spend more time indoors when it gets cold outside. When temperatures drop, rodents such as mice and rats start looking for warmer places. These pests will wiggle through the smallest openings. Open crawl spaces, attic vents, unsealed air ducts, foundations cracks, and spaces under doors are prime entry points. Similarly, many insects and spiders start moving indoors in search of warmth and food.
“Crawl spaces can provide the perfect ecosystem for a variety of pests,” said Tasha Shives, Marketing and Communications Manager for Alpha Ecological. If not maintained, they can provide shelter, warmth, food and water for pests, big and small.
Poor drainage and plumbing leaks in your crawl space provide moisture. Some pests are food for others. Insulation is often used as nesting material by rodents and other wildlife. And, attics are favored for similar reasons.
Kitchens and bathrooms are ideal for moisture-seeking creatures. The pantry is a favorite of rodents, small sugar ants and meal moths.
Besides seeing a pest, signs could include rodent droppings and evidence of chewing through food containers. Look for tiny wood shavings around your window sills, door jams or other wooden structures within the home. “If you hear sounds of movement coming from your crawl space, attic, walls or air ducts, definitely don’t ignore it,” Shives said.
Outside the home, don’t let garbage, wood and debris pile up. Animals are attracted to these for food and nesting. Carpenter ants are a costly threat to the structure of your home. Since they nest in dead wood, ensure firewood is stacked away from the house and off the ground. “You should regularly inspect your garage, shed, shop or play structure for signs of pest activity,” Shives said.
She says there are a variety of things you can do to prevent pests. “Be a clean freak,” she advises. Ensure your crawl space and attic are properly ventilated and that they do not have moisture problems. Plumbing should be in good repair. Keep vegetation trimmed at least six inches from your house or roof. Feed pets indoors and only give them what is needed at one feeding. Take garbage and recycling out often and keep receptacles maintained and closed off.
Many allergens also make their presence known in our homes during colder weather. “We close up the windows and doors, and whatever is inside from the spring and summer stays inside,” Shives said.
When we turn on the heat, all the dust, pollen and animal hair in our air ducts is blown throughout the home. “Sneezing, stuffy head, itchy eyes, coughing and headaches — these are all common side effects of breathing in common allergens,” she said.
“Studies are showing scary links between the development of childhood allergens and asthma with pests such as rodents and cockroaches,” Shives said. If either of these pests are an issue, she recommends a high-quality air duct cleaning and disinfection.
Regardless, a thorough air duct cleaning and inspection is highly recommended each fall before you turn on the heat. There are many duct-cleaning companies who offer low-quality work for cheap prices. “Having a company vacuum dust bunnies out of your ducts is not going to be effective,” she said.
Alpha Ecological brushes the duct walls clean, while employing a high-powered, reverse-flow unit to remove fine debris.
As with pests, maintaining a good housekeeping routine will help minimize allergens in the home. Be sure to sweep, dust and vacuum often.
Shives says that Alpha Ecological focuses on prevention methods first. If there is a problem with pests or allergens, the company will use the least toxic method to control it. For example, sealing off entry points while rodents are not present is ideal.
“There are many fantastic, synthetic biodegradable products that have been developed. In many cases, they are even less toxic than their natural counterparts,” she said. “It’s not necessary to hose down a house with a treatment in order for pest control services to be effective.”
Alpha Ecological provides pest control and prevention, air duct and dryer vent cleaning services, and crawl space and attic restoration services.
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