The winter or cold weather can be a time that forces pest species into areas where they can find shelter and warmth. The problem here is that the main area that pest species find for avoiding the cold is your home! The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has three tips to help protect you and your family from pest this winter or cold season.

The first tip they provided is removing ice dams, that are found on the roofs of homes during the colder months. The ice dams prevent snow from melting and the moisture from the ice can cause damage to walls, ceilings, drywall, and insulation. Cindy Mannaes vice president of public affairs for NPMA said the following “Use a roof rake to dissipate potentially problematic accumulations of snow.” So if you find a ice damn on your home make sure to remove it as safely as possible to help deter pests.

The second tip that the NPMA gives is turning off exterior faucets or valves so that they cannot burst in the cold. “Frozen pipes inside the home can lead to leaks, which can also attract termites. Termite infestations can often go unseen as they build nests and grow their colonies inside homes,” said Mannes about the issue. The Third and final tip Cindy Mannes had was to inspect the potential entry points of your home. Rodents and other pest species can squeeze though very small cracks and cause major damage within the home. If you find cracks in your home or business where pest might enter “Use steel wool around openings and a silicone-based caulk on any cracks to avoid potential visitors,” said Cindy Mannes.

If you have found pest at your home or business you should always contact a licensed pest control professional like Johnny B’s Pest Control.  We are family owned and operated company serving the greater Boston area for 30+ years. If you want to secure your home or business from pests today contact Johnny B’s Pest Control today!