
Kitchen
The abundance of food and moisture in the kitchen make it the ideal target and home for lurking pests;- Washing and drying your dishes completely, including all cookware and kitchen utensils, before packing away for storage
- Remove all food and liquids in the fridge, pantry, and kitchen cupboards
- Sweep and clean the floor thoroughly, paying special attention to those notoriously hard-to-reach places
Bathrooms
Moisture is a surefire way to attract unwelcome visitors to your cottage, and a source that needs to be eliminated;- Standing water in the sink, bathtub, and shower should be mopped dry
- Piping should be checked for leaks and water accumulation
- Draining your pipes completely will help to prevent attracting pests, and will help prevent damage to your piping during the winter freeze
Bedrooms
The bedroom is the favoured nesting place of the bed bug;- Clear your beds of all bedding, wash in hot water, place in the dryer on maximum heat for no less than 30 minutes
- Brush and vacuum all your mattresses, as well as brushing the notches and crevices of your bed base
- Once out of the dryer, store your bedding in sealable plastic bags, sealed tightly to prevent the possible entry of any bed bugs
Attics
Attics make the ideal home for a host of pests, and keeping them out is essential to your peace of mind;- All potential entry points should be sealed with caulking
- Vents and covers in the attic should be firmly installed and secure
- Placing a piece of wood over your chimney is going to prevent the entry of water, and thus the attraction of pests and other insects
Outdoor Spaces
The porch and patio are great for those summer memories, but a gateway for pests and bed bugs;- Cleaning gutter and downspouts
- Replacing old and worn weather strips, and replacing loose mortar along your homes’ foundation, as well as your doors and windows