Pests are a very destructive force because they can make a home impossible to live in all the while eroding its value and desirability among potential buyers. Pests such as rodents and termites are especially destructive because they compromise your home’s structural integrity and can leave you with huge repair and maintenance bills. To prevent all this, you should know how to identify whether you have pests and what to do to keep your home safe.
Check the Structure
Cracks in the home’s structure (walls, floor and basement) create the perfect space for critters and insects looking for a home in the winter and during colder nights. Checking these cracks can be time-consuming, but it is important to do it to prevent an infestation.
Start by inspecting the doors and windows. As doors and windows open and shut over years and decades, they create weak points in the walls as well as foundation issues.
Most cracks typically extend from the corners and hinges of the doors and windows and into the drywall. They might also appear where there is a separation between the framing and the door or window.
Do not forget to check your basement walls. If you see a zigzag pattern on the mortar, that means there is some space for insects and pests to hide. If you do not know how to check these for pests, you can call a Bristol pest control excerpt to check it for you.
Chimney
This only applies to houses that have chimneys. A chimney can be an entryway and nesting place for pests such as birds, bats, and vermin. A chimney can also be the perfect place for different types of insects to thrive.
Start by closing the flue when you are not using the chimney. You can also call a pest controller Bristol to install a chimney cap to prevent the above from happening. Also, call a contractor to seal any cracks that might cause issues.
If you have pests living in the chimney, it is better to call a professional. It is illegal to kill some wildlife and endangered species in some places, so it is always best to let a professional do it for you. Companies like Advance Pest Control Bristol can remove pests such as squirrels and birds that might have made your chimney their home.
Inspect the Roof
Different rodents can create a den in your home’s roof in colder months. When they do, they can do a lot more than leave a mess. Rodents are known to chew through wires and HVAC ducts and destroy insulation.
Start by fixing any holes in your roof. Doing so will make it harder for these pests to get in. Next, install vent covers. Smaller pests can get into your ventilation holes and some homeowners might not even know such holes exist.
A strong wire mesh will keep pests out while not affecting airflow.
Any homeowner who values their comfort and wants to maintain their home’s value should deal with pests before they cause a lot of damage. Regular inspections, a few repairs and getting a pest control expert to take care of these pests will help keep them away.
