Warn Off Old Man Winter!
& Protect Against Migrating Pests!

Winterize Your Home This Fall:
What can you do to winterize your home?  Lots of things, but specifically to keep out unwanted pests looking for a warmer, dryer location such as your home to spend the winter, there are several items you may want to look at.  This information is courtesy of Tom Ellis and MSU's What's Bugging You?

1. Clean your gutters. Many insects lay eggs in still water such as that found in stopped-up gutters. Additionally, clean gutters give you a better chance against the formation of ice dams.  Clean them out and keep them flowing free.

2. Check your roof for minor maintenance needs. Look over your roof for loose or missing shingles and inspect your attic area for rotting boards. Replace as needed. Trim back any tree limbs that may be touching your roof.

3. Check your chimney.  Chimney's can make for easy access into your house for birds, squirrels and even wasps, etc.  Make sure there is screening over the top of your chimney and that there are no loose bricks.  Also, make sure that the skirting (flashing) around the base of your chimney is sealed against the elements.

4. Vent Pipes.  Like your chimney, these need to be free from debris and sealed around their base against the elements.

5. Siding, Windows, and Doors.  Check these areas for cracks, loose siding or boards, and check the wood for rot.  Similarly, check for insect nests and mark them to be sealed or removed come March.  Sealing them before that can result in insects in your home as they look for a way out of their nest.

6. Basement, Basement Windows and Foundation. Critters will attempt to enter your home via these areas, too.  Check for rot, cracked or loose mortar and small openings in general through which mice and other small rodents and insects may enter.

7. Outside Plants Brought Inside.  Most people don't think of it, but household plants that spent the summer outdoors may be carrying multiple pests which can really come to life when they experience the comfort of your home.  Inspect household plants carefully before bringing them indoors.  In particular, look on the underside of leaves for tiny eggs or insects living there, as well as along stems and around roots.  Minor infestations can typically be controlled by spraying the plant thoroughly with soapy water or with an insecticidal spray before being brought in.  Once brought inside, monitor your plants for a population explosion, and if infestation appears heavy, discard the plant in question.  If you suspect a plant of having an infestation, keep it away from other plants.

8. Firewood Brought Inside:  Similar to houseplants, piles of firewood make an ideal home to both mice and insects.  If bringing firewood into the home this fall, make sure to inspect pieces for pests or pest nests.  Rough handling of the firewood can also help dislodge such pests as well as help dislodge loose bark and dirt which might otherwise end up in your home.

Much of this information came from Michigan State University's series of articles, What's Bugging You?