December
Tip
1
Keep Pests Out
Exclusion is the most important step to take when preparing for the winter. Pests, from beetles to rats and squirrels, are looking for warm, safe places to shelter. Examine your home carefully for any openings, cracks, and damage that pests could gain access through. Concentrate on doors and windows, near all utility access points, siding, etc and repair as necessary.
Products needed for Tip 1
Tip
2
Avoid Christmas Tree Pests
Insects can be hiding in the branches of your Christmas tree, especially if you find your tree in a dense tree farm or forest. Inspect your tree carefully on the trunk and branches for spider egg sacs, certain moth egg patches (light colored fuzzy looking patches) or other pests. If the facility has a tree-shaker, take advantage of it to dislodge any possible hitch-hikers. Remember, if the temps have not dipped below freezing, ticks can still be active.
Tip
3
Proper Firewood Storage
Firewood piles make great places for many pests to take shelter. Rodents, cockroaches, and wood-infesting beetles are often found here. Keep wood piles away from exterior walls of homes and sheds to minimize the risk of pests in the wood piles making their way indoors.
Products needed for Tip 3
Tip
4
Service, Clean, & Protect Chimney
Since your chimney has likely been in disuse for many months, it's important to check that it is pest-free before you plan on using it in the colder months. Bats, squirrels, and birds often make nests or take shelter in chimneys, so make sure the chimney is clean, in good repair, and that there is a properly fitting, intact chimney cap in place to keep pests out.
Tip
5
Lessen Risk of Pantry and Kitchen Pests
Holiday baking means bringing in a lot of products that pantry pests love to invade, and extra company can mean more dirty dishes and crumbs around. Store all stored food (like flour, chocolate chips, cereals, nuts, seeds, etc) in pest proof containers, and take extra care to clean up all crumbs, food spills, dirty dishes, etc.
January
Tip
1
Monitor For Pest Activity
Even though it is winter, pest control needs to stay consistent. Continue to monitor your home for any pests, especially rodents, and perform routine indoor and outdoor inspection and maintenance.
Products needed for Tip 1
Tip
2
Seal Openings & Gaps
Inspect your home for any openings or gaps that pests could gain access into your home, and seal or repair these access points. Remember that mice can gain access in gaps as small as one quarter of an inch.
Products needed for Tip 2
Tip
3
Eliminate Pest Shelters
Leaf litter, wood piles, and other yard debris create shelter and hiding spots for many pests, including slugs, snails, rodents, etc. Keep lawn tidy to eliminate this shelter.
Products needed for Tip 3
Tip
4
Take Inventory of Supplies
Take stock of your store of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, making sure you are prepared for the upcoming season. Be sure your products are stored out of extreme temperatures and out of direct sunlight.
Tip
5
Check For Heat Leaks
Now is a good time to check for leaking heat. Pests are drawn to heat, and if the heat can get out, pests may be able to get in.
February
Tip
1
Inspect Your Home's Exterior For Damage
It's a great time to inspect the outside of your home for any ice or snow damage that may have happened in the worst of the winter weather. Look for any cracks or holes that may allow for pest access.
Products needed for Tip 1
Tip
2
Look For Overwintering Insects
Although you may have patched all holes and secured your home against pests before winter, some insects may have overwintered in your home and may begin to wake up and move around with the warming temperatures. Inspect your home, especially wall voids and attics, for pests. Vacuum up any insects you may find.
Products needed for Tip 2
Tip
3
Keep Lawn Free of Debris
Continue general outdoor pest management by cleaning up any leaves, debris, and any other litter in your lawn. This helps to eliminate potential shelter for pests.
Tip
4
Keep Kitchen Clean To Avoid Pest Problems
To avoid offering a buffet for rodents and cockroaches, sweep, clean up food spills, wipe down counters, and keep stored food in pest-proof containers in your kitchen and food storage areas.
Tip
5
Eliminate Clutter Indoors
Cutting down on clutter inside, especially in basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and storage areas, can help cut down on places for pests to hide. Getting a jump on this before the height of pest populations will make it a lot easier prevent pest problems.