Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

Winter is often the season when pest control companies in Knoxville are busiest, and there’s a simple reason for that. As the air starts to get colder, all animals from tiny insects to large mammals will seek warmth and shelter; our homes offer just what they’re looking for. Invasions by pests and nuisance wildlife often become more common during fall and can continue to be prevalent until next spring. If you’re not keen on sharing your home with bugs or rodents during the winter, you may need to take a few measures to proactively prevent pest infestations.

A Guide to Keeping Your Home Pest-Free in Winter

First and foremost, to prevent pests infestations in your Knoxville home during the winter, close off any potential entry points. While a hole that a raccoon or an opossum could squeeze through may be obvious, that’s not the case for smaller critters like mice that can fit through very small spaces. During fall, closely inspect the exterior of your home, keeping an eye out for any gaps in the siding, foundation, and eaves. You may also need to get up on a ladder to inspect your roof, where pests often enter through damaged shingles.

Should you find any possible pest entry holes, seal them off with a weatherproof sealant like caulk. If there are exposed vent openings outside, install a mesh cover over them. You might also want to install a chimney cap to keep animals such as bats and squirrels from getting in. Bugs can enter your home through tiny crevasses around windows and doors, but you can keep them out by adding fresh weather stripping, and sweeps at the bottom of doors.

The next step in preventing pest invasions during the winter is to secure food sources around your home in Knoxville. Food sources are scarce during the winter, which means that raccoons, rodents, and other critters will be especially desperate for any easy meals they can find. Start by making sure all of your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids to keep wild animals out. Be careful about filling bird feeders up during the winter, as all types of wildlife will flock to your yard to dine on the seeds and nuts. You should also be wary of leaving pet food out, which can have the same result.

Caution with food sources extends inside your home as well. Table scraps and crumbs may not be enough to entice wildlife during spring and summer, when food is plentiful, but such things become much more appetizing when winter sets in. Clean your kitchen regularly to deprive ants, roaches, and rodents of an easy snack. Never leave leftover food uncovered overnight, even if it’s something not likely to spoil; always store food in airtight containers so that rodents and bugs don’t get into it.

The final step is to continually monitor your home for signs of pest activity, inside and outside, throughout the winter months. Do you see bugs swarming in drapes or on ceilings? Have you noticed new damage to wires, drywall or insulation? Have you been finding a lot of animal droppings right outside your house? These are some of the common signs that pests or nuisance wildlife have invaded your home. Keep your eyes open for these signs and respond immediately before an infestation grows.

Professional Pest & Wildlife Control in the Knoxville Area

If you’re concerned about wildlife and pest problems in your home this winter, it may be wise to seek help from a professional pest control company. Critter Wranglers is a top-rated Knoxville wildlife and pest control company that can perform inspection, removal, and exclusion services for your home during winter and beyond. Get in touch with us today if you’re looking for professional pest and wildlife control services in the greater Knoxville area!