New England winters are notoriously unpredictable. Will it snow, will it rain, or should we leave the winter coats tucked away and prepare for what is essentially an extended fall? While the weather may keep us on our toes, there's one thing we can always count on: Pests searching for a place to stay cozy until spring.

In their quest for food and shelter, mice, rats, cockroaches, and dozens of other pests often find themselves on our doorsteps. Here are some tips for making sure they don't make their way inside this season.

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• Doors and windows: Make sure doors and windows close completely, and all screens are secure and intact.
• Deny entry: Pests don't need much space to squeeze inside - even mice and rats only need an opening the size of a dime or quarter, respectively. Seal small cracks and crevices around your foundation and openings around utility lines to keep rodents and insects outside where they belong.
• Gutters and vegetation: Keep gutters clear, cut tree branches and other vegetation back from your house, and keep your yard free of leaf litter and other debris.
• Seal food and trash: Store food in sealed containers (including pet food), keep trash covered, and take trash out regularly - Pests aren't picky eaters!
• Stay dry: Eliminate water sources such as leaky plumbing and standing water, including low-lying exterior areas where snow melt collects.
• A tidy house: Regularly wipe down contact surfaces and vacuum or sweep floors, keep cabinets and pantries clear of crumbs, and reduce clutter such as boxes and storage items to keep pests from hiding amongst them.

While it's true that spring and summer are prime time for most pests, winter pest control is an important component of a pest-free home all year long - it gives your pest management professional an opportunity to focus on the interior, identifying potential entry points or contributing factors (like leaky plumbing), helping not only to keep pests out this season, but also to prepare your home for the coming spring when pest pressure really amps up.

If you already have a Pad Protection Plan with Burgess Pest, it's time to schedule your winter interior service. If you're not already enrolled, what are you waiting for? Schedule a free estimate today!