It has been cold across most of the northern states, and with that cold comes wind, snow, and ice. These weather conditions can damage your home and provide entry points for winter pests. And, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we are looking at above levels of precipitation in the next few months. That means more snowfall in the North and more rain in the South, providing the perfect conditions for pest infestations.
Northern Homes
Cold temperatures motivate winter pests to seek shelter. If cockroaches or rodents get into your home they can cause damage to wood, insulation, and wiring. This presents a fire hazard and can create a home repair nightmare.
Ice build up on gutters and rooflines can expose your eaves to rodents. It only takes a hole the size of a dime for a mouse to get in, and mice can spread illness and bacteria by contaminating surfaces and food sources.
Snow buildup can put a strain on your roof and open up gaps in your roofline. Keeping snow off your roof will reduce structural damage, and can keep squirrels and rats from getting into your attic spaces.
Southern Homes
Though the temperatures in southern states are not nearly as brutal as their northern counterparts, winter can still lure pests inside homes, by offering them an entry point or weak spot.
Heavy rainfall can soften the wood of your home making it attractive to termites, carpenter ants, mice and other wood chewing pests. Make sure your gutters are in good working order and that water is being channeled away from your foundation. By keeping your exterior walls as dry as possible you can reduce the water damage that rots wood, and keep pests from making the damage worse.
High winter winds can rip shingles off roofs and create entry points for bats, squirrels, rodents, and bugs. Examine your roof routinely to locate missing shingles, and get those spots repaired.
Don't let winter damage open your home up to invasive pests. Routine inspections and consistent maintenance will keep those pests out, and the warm air in.