Keep your home pest-free whatever the weather
With the arrival of winter comes all sorts of wicked weather, from snow and ice to wind and heavy rain. McCloud Services, a leading pest management company based in South Elgin, reminds homeowners to take steps now to batten down the hatches and prevent any unwanted pests from taking advantage of their home's vulnerabilities that can result from winter weather scenarios.
"Typical cold weather pests in the Chicago area, such as rodents, tend to seek shelter in higher numbers with the arrival of winter weather," said Patricia Hottel, technical director. "These pests can not only cause structural damage to walls and electrical wires, but also spread diseases during a time when people are spending more time indoors."
Snow, ice, wind and rain can all cause different types of home deficiencies that could end up granting pests entry both in the short and long-term. However, there are many precautions homeowners can take based on the following winter weather conditions.
• Snow: When the temperature drops and snow starts to accumulate, rodents including mice, rats and squirrels will be searching for warmth indoors. Rodents can squeeze through small cracks and crevices that might get overlooked, especially where pipes and wires enter the home. Once inside, they can cause structural and electrical damage and spread disease. Homeowners should regularly inspect the exterior and interior of their home for any possible access points for pests.
• Ice: Homeowners should keep on the lookout for ice dams, which form on roofs and can prevent snow from melting. The moisture backup from ice dams can cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and drywall. This can attract a number of pests that love moisture such as carpenter ants. Keep an eye out for any leaky spots in the home that could indicate an ice dam and take action to remove it before further damage occurs.
• Wind: Strong winds can cause damage to roof shingles. Cracked areas in the roof and siding are perfect places for nuisance wildlife, including raccoons and bats, to gain access to the home. Periodically check the roof for missing shingles and be sure to fix damage right away.
• Rain: Homeowners should check trouble spots for any leaks or areas of moisture caused by rain or melting snow. Pests such as termites are attracted to moisture and often go unseen as they build nests and grow their colonies inside homes. Be sure basements and attics are dry and clear of water damage after heavy rain or snowfall.
Addressing the recent warmer weather in the Chicago area, Hottel said, "We can see emergence of some of the fall invaders, like cluster flies and multicolored Asian lady beetles during a warmer winter day. These insects come to structures to overwinter and when we have a warm day, they may emerge out of their harborage in wall and ceiling voids and into living spaces. With the warmer than usual temperatures we had in the fall, these invaders were still moving into structures in November."
For more information on McCloud's home protection plan, please visit mccloudservices.com.
About McCloud Services
McCloud Services is the leader in integrated pest management solutions. Known for providing the highest level of pest management services and customer care, McCloud Services pest management programs are designed to target immediate pest concerns with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. McCloud Services is a regional service provider with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. For more information, please visit www.mccloudservices.com.