With winter right around the corner and the temperature starting to drop, we begin to spend less time outside, and more time inside where it is warm, comfortable, and cozy.

Unfortunately, we are not the only ones looking to stay warm this winter. There are creepy-crawly critters looking for a warm, cozy home to stay in too. Is your home prepared to keep these critters outside where they belong? Here are 3 common places pests go to hide in your home this winter, and what you can do to keep them OUT!

Ventsmouse

Vents are a common place for animals to go during the winter months. This is because vents carry consistently warm temperatures, which are inviting and enjoyable for critters of all types, like rodents, birds, or bats.

These critters get into the vents by chewing through vent lines or vent covers. Once they’re in the vents they can cause a variety of issues such as:

  • Damage to the vents themselves
  • Bad smells in your house from their “droppings” in the vents
  • Fire hazards from their nests of dry leaves, sticks, and grass

The Basement

Your basement or crawlspace is a great place for critters like mice, rats, and snakes (yes, snakes) to go to when seeking shelter from the cold. Basements are warm, easy to hide in, and provide shelter and protection from potential predators.

These critters will look for cracks or damage in your foundation, which they can utilize to get into the basement or crawl space. They can also sneak in through open doors or windows, and will head to the basement to seek warmth, shelter, and darkness.

Rodents or snakes in your basement can cause a plethora of issues such as:

  • Health issues. Rats and mice carry infectious diseases, which can affect both children and adults.
  • Danger. Any animal that feels trapped is dangerous and will be willing to attack if necessary.
  • They’re annoying. These rodents can be tough to catch, and they will make noise at night.

The Atticsealing roof

Any critter that can get on your roof will try to get into your attic. Raccoons and squirrels are common attic inhabitants, and they can also be the most destructive. Not only will they chew their way in, but they will also chew on anything and everything being stored in your attic.

Worst of all, these critters love to be active at night. If you have critters in your attic you can count on hearing thumping, scratching, and scattering noises while trying to sleep.

What Can I Do?

It is important to inspect the exterior of your home every few months. Look for damages, cracks, holes, or any unusual sightings, as these may be signs of critters in your home (or at least trying to get in). There are also preventative measures you can take, like trimming trees and bushes so they do not touch your home or roof, or a vent cover. While these things are good to do, they may not be permanent solutions.

That’s where we come in. Our vent cleaning service completely eliminates that potential home from critters, to give you the peace of mind knowing that you are living in a critter-free environment. Also, we can assess your basement, crawlspace, or attic, and will recommend a course of action to solve the problem quickly and effectively.

Contact Cramer Pest Control and let’s keep the critters where they belong… Outside!  Call us today at 803-802-7540.