Winter is officially here, and while you’re getting yourself ready for the cold, don’t forget your home needs a little winter prep, too. Think of it like your home’s annual check-up: a quick once-over to make sure everything is in good shape before pests start looking for somewhere warm to crash.
Because let’s be honest, mice, squirrels, and other winter pests love a cozy house just as much as you do. That’s why the team at Ford’s Hometown Services has rounded up a few simple and effective winter check-up tasks to help keep pests out all season long.
How to Give Your House a Winter Check-up
Just like you bundle up in the winter – extra layers, vitamins, the whole routine – your house needs a little extra TLC to stay protected from pests. A quick seasonal check-up helps keep out rodents, wildlife, and insects that love a warm house as much as you do.
Here’s your helpful winter house check-up checklist:
✔ Do a Doorway Sweep
Take a close look at the weather-stripping on your exterior doors. If it’s worn, cracked, or missing, replace it. Fresh weather-stripping blocks cold drafts and gives pests one less way to sneak in.
✔Check the Attic
Make sure your attic is well-ventilated, dry, and free from clutter or gaps. Moisture and darkness make it a favorite winter hideout for mice, squirrels, and even bats.
✔Perform a Chimney Check
Inspect your chimney cap or screen and make sure it’s secure. A sturdy cover keeps out curious critters like squirrels and raccoons that may try to climb inside as temperatures drop.
✔Do a Kitchen Reset
Store food in airtight containers and keep pet food sealed. Get in the habit of wiping down surfaces daily. A clean kitchen sends a clear message that your home isn’t open for buffet service.
✔ Go on a Gap Hunt
Walk around the exterior of your home and look for cracks, holes, and gaps. Pay close attention to where pipes, wires, and utilities enter. Even a dime-sized opening is big enough for a mouse to slip through.
✔ Put Your Firewood in the Safe Zone
Get out that tape measure and make sure your firewood is at least 20 feet from your home. Firewood stacked too close creates the perfect hiding spot for rodents and insects, giving them an easy ride indoors.
Looking for more winter-proofing ideas? Check out additional tips from our pest tech pros.
Why DIY Efforts Don’t Always Work for Winter-Proofing
Even the most diligent homeowner can struggle with winter pest prevention. And it’s not your fault. When mice can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime and squirrels chew straight through wood, DIY efforts sometimes fall short.
Can you keep them all out? Absolutely. All it takes is good prevention, consistent vigilance, and the right professional help. If you spot signs of rodents, squirrels, or other wildlife trying to get in, call Ford’s Hometown Services. Our team can inspect and exclude your home from common pests, keeping it safe, warmer, and pest-free throughout the season.
Ford’s Hometown Services Can Help Get Your Home Winter-Ready
Winter pests are persistent, but you don’t have to handle them alone. Whether you’re hearing suspicious scratching in the walls, spotting droppings, or simply want peace of mind, our licensed pest control team is here to help. Give us a call at (508) 459-3694 or get a quote online.