Protecting Your Waterloo Home Against Pests This Winter

Winter brings cold weather, lots of precipitation and a shortage of food in the natural world. Humans avoid these problems with warm homes, sturdy roofs and a full pantry. Unfortunately, these are just as attractive to critters looking for a safe place to wait out the season. Homeowners often require rodent and spider removal services when the winter chill hits. Rats, mice, spiders and even bats can infiltrate your residence through weak points in the structure. Once inside, they can raid your cupboards, destroy wiring and put your family's health at risk. Spiders pose a particular concern, as most arachnids are venomous. Cleaning up nests and repairing damage can get pricy and inconvenient; it's much better to take the initiative with preventative tips. Fortunately, there are many ways to safeguard your home from the creatures looking for a winter respite.

Prevent the Need for Spider Removal With Anti-Pest Tips

A solid game plan can help you avoid hiring a spider exterminator in Waterloo. One of the first steps is to secure your food in air-tight containers. Thick plastic or glass is best, as rodents can chew through common packaging materials:

• Flexible plastic
• Cardboard
• Paper

When pests can't smell or access food, they're less likely to end up in your cupboards. Your next step is identifying ways critters can get into your house and fortifying those points. According to spider control professionals, here's what to look for.

Inspect Gutters and Roofs

Your roof has to stand up to a lot: wind, rain, snow and hail can all do number on this vital structure. Moisture is especially problematic since it can cause the following:

• Mould
• Mildew
• Algae and moss
• Wood rot

All of these can create holes big enough for pests to squeeze through. Regular inspections and maintenance prevent damage, keeping your castle walls solid. It's also important to check your gutter system before winter. Gutters usually accumulate a lot of debris during fall, which can cause blockages. Water may then pool on the roof, or the gutter may be so heavy that it pulls away from the eaves.

Seal Potential Entry Points

Pests are more creative than you might think; many can squeeze through spaces much smaller than their full size. As a result, pest and spider control experts recommend sealing the following potential entry points:

• Foundation cracks
• Windowsill gaps
• Door threshold gaps
• Siding holes

You should also install screens on vents. While essential for allowing airflow into your attic, roof vents are just the right size and placement for larger critters to infiltrate your space.

Insulate Pipes

Unfortunately, plumbing often offers everything bugs need to thrive:

• Shelter
• Water
• Food

Clogged drains are especially troublesome since they hold rotting food particles that can draw bugs, rats and other unwanted guests. Insulating pipes provide an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for pests to find their way inside.

Test Heating Systems

Your heating and cooling systems have vents to intake air from outdoors. As spider control experts will tell you, these openings are prime spots for bugs to enter. To get rid of spiders and keep them out, ensure the vent covers are in good condition. Trimming plants near the AC unit is also a good idea, as flourishing fauna makes for a thriving bug habitat.

Contact Professionals for Spider Removal

When you need quick spider control services, Truly Nolen Canada is the place to call. These experts can exterminate pests, seal entry points and identify things that may attract pests in the future. With 85 years of dedication to customer service and ridding residences of critters, Truly Nolen Canada can help you reclaim your home and keep unwanted visitors away for good. To learn more, call or submit an online request.