Unwanted House Guests
Author: Josh Sloan
Date Created: Oct 27, 2008 - 11:37:16 AM
Around this time of year, when temperatures drop and there is a chill in the air, we typically spend more times indoors where it's warm and cozy. Maybe our diet changes to more stews and soups – comfort food as some like to call it.
Well, the same thing happens in the animal kingdom. Rodents and insects start to scout out warmer places to live, possibly with easier food sources. Unfortunately, this often results in unwanted house guests like squirrels in the roof, mice scurrying between the walls, or wasps in the attic.
You've probably noticed some of the tell tale signs in the form of mouse or rat droppings in the back of a cupboard, scratching and squeaking noises behind closed drywall, chewed wires, or little piles of sawdust from visiting wasps or termites.
The old saying, "the best defense is a good offense", could never be more accurate than when referring to these pesky critters. Waiting until you hear or see the signs often means you are dealing with a full on infestation. These pests need to be dealt with before they become a problem by making your home an unwelcome option.
Mice can squeeze into the smallest of places along the side of pipes, in walls or behind cupboards. If they see a potential opening, even if they can't fit through it, they will gladly expand the area by chewing around it. Prevent this by sealing gaps under and around doors and pipes with weatherstripping, and wrap coarse steel wool around pipes.
Leaving out any kind of food or debris is like ringing the rodent dinner bell, and you can be sure, this is the quickest way to attract these pests. Even wood piles make attractive shelters and should be stacked at least two feet from the house.
Check your foundation for cracks or openings as well as the fascia boards and soffits. Tree limbs should be cut back to at least six feet from the house to prevent squirrels from climbing onto the roof and chewing through any exposed soft wood or crawling between flue pipes or chimney. They are among the worst culprits for gnawing through wires and can cause a serious amount of damage before you realize you have a problem.
You've probably spotted the gray wasp nests hanging from rafters and other sheltered areas. Often times, they're hidden between aluminum siding, attics and roof areas via pipes, vents or windows. Wasps quietly hibernate over the winter, but come spring, they're attracted to light and often end up inside the house. Make sure all your attic vents have screens covering them, and any areas where they typically enter can also be sprayed by professional exterminators to prevent them from making nests.
When it comes to spiders your vacuum is your best defense. Simply keep on top of them by sucking up their webs. Try putting chestnuts in corners and on windowsills – for some reason, spiders hate them.
Joshua Sloan is an experienced San Diego real estate agent. Visit his site for help finding new Escondido real estate.
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