Winter Preparedness: Protect Your Home from Pests
Mother Nature can ruin a Merry Christmas quick if you aren’t prepared to handle winter-related weather problems. Winter disasters come in all shapes and sizes, but the right preparation can keep you, your loved ones and your home protected.
Ice Storms
Even as far south as Alabama snow and ice can move in during the winter. You can’t stop an ice storm from happening, but you can prepare ahead of time so that your family is protected.
How to prepare for/prevent this disaster: The key is having the right emergency supplies on hand:
- First aid kit
- Rock salt for melting ice on walkways
- Shovel
- Dry firewood
- Warm blankets
- Battery operated radio
It’s also best to winterize your home inside and out so that it is as energy efficient as possible.
Pipes Freezing
Water damage from a burst pipe will cause immediate damage and even bigger problems down the road like a termite infestation if it isn’t properly repaired. This is a winter problem that can be completely avoided if you take numerous precautions.
How to prepare for/prevent this disaster: Preventing damage from frozen pipes requires preventative measures both inside and on the exterior of your home. First, shut off the water to the exterior faucets. Allow the water to drain out of all pipes and hoses to prevent freezing. If exterior faucets must be used install insulated covers and line piping with insulated wrap and tape. If the temperature drops below freezing it is also best to turn a few faucets on just enough to allow water to slowly drip out. This will help prevent pressure from building up in the pipes.
Falling Tree Limbs
In the bitter cold, windy winter dead trees limbs can snap off with absolutely no warning. They can cause damage to the exterior of your home, cars and even someone that’s in the wrong place at the wrong time.
How to prepare for/prevent this disaster: Cut down any suspect limbs, especially those that are hanging over walkways, driveways or your home. If an entire tree needs to be cut down or the limb is difficult to get to it’s best to call in a professional.
Animal Infestations
When it’s frigid outside it’s understandable that animals will want to seek shelter in your home or under the hood of your car. This can cause major damage to your vehicle or your home and make it more susceptible to an insect infestation.
How to prepare for/prevent this disaster: Carefully inspect your exterior siding and roof for any loose shingles or access points that animals can easily work through to get inside your home. This includes spots where there is wood rot that rodents can chew through. P3 International makes a battery-operated device called the Under Hood Animal Repeller that helps to keep animals from creeping under your car.
Insects will also try to seek shelter in your home over the winter. Regular pest control treatments from Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. can prevent bugs from getting indoors and handle any insects that may have already gotten inside. Give us a call to learn more about our custom monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly treatments.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/education-and-prevention/winter-preparedness-protect-home-pests/