Lower temperatures and damp, snowy conditions drive pests to find more comfortable accommodations in which to wait for spring - and what better place than our warm, cozy homes, especially after this past weekend's weather?

While it's true that the warmer months are prime time for pests, rodents and insects are still very much present in the winter. Here are some easy DIY tips for pest prevention in your South Shore home this season.

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• Make sure doors and windows close securely, and all screens are secure and intact
• 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.
• Clear gutters of debris and keep tree branches cut back from your house.
• Store food in sealed containers, keep trash covered, and take trash out regularly - Pests aren't picky about their food!
• Eliminate water sources such as leaky plumbing and standing water, including low-lying exterior areas where snow melt collects.
• Regularly wipe down contact surfaces and vacuum or sweep floors; keep cabinets and pantries clear of crumbs; reduce clutter such as boxes and storage items to keep pests from hiding amongst them.

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!

For more information and tips, download our free 2023-2024 Winter Pest Guidebook here!