Whereas mosquitoes and bees are prominent in the summer; mice, cockroaches, and spiders are out in the winter. You’ll want to stay on top of pest activity for your clients. These pests are seeking shelter from the cold, and unfortunately warm homes seem cozy to them too. It is important to take preventative measures to keep pests out because they can cause significant hazards. Rodents are known to carry diseases, certain spiders can bite, causing serious side effects, and cockroaches can create asthma, allergies and contamination. Without the proper prevention tactics, pests can infest properties fast.
As a pest control operation, it’s imperative that you have a specialized Pest Control insurance program. In addition to insurance coverage, there are some other ways that you can reduce pesky pests during the winter months.
Covering the Bases
Pests are attracted to food, water and shelter. Exclusion techniques and removing sources of these elements will help deter pests. Food should always be kept in sealed containers. Also advise clients to eliminate moisture from leaky pipes and drains to ensure that if pests do get in, they won’t have ideal conditions to thrive in.
Pay close attention to where these pests enter structures, such as through cracks and crevices around windows, doors, along foundations, ripped screens, uncapped chimneys, and also through holes where utilities enter homes. Clients should be aware that they can be hiding in firewood, groceries, and other deliveries can carry pests in too.
Since these nuisances have direct access to basements and attics through roofs and foundations, they should be kept well ventilated, dry, and clutter-free. Also, because of the concentration of food and water, kitchens and bathrooms are other common areas for winter pests to gather.
Tips
Simple tips your clients can incorporate to deter winter pests:
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of structure. Check the areas where utilities and pipes enter indoors.
- Replace loose weather stripping around the foundation and windows.
- Store firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away. (Mice and ants make their nests in wood piles.)
- Keep storage areas well organized, and store boxes off of the floor. (Rodents hide in clutter.)
- Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains. (Especially kitchens and bathrooms as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.)
- Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens in windows.
- Screen vents to chimneys. Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
Winter brings enough worry about home damage. These tips will help reduce the likelihood of experiencing issue due to pests. When winter pests are kept outdoors, homes become a healthier place.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (636) 947-1177.