Keep overwintering critters out of your home with weatherization

By Antonio Coleman

CADILLAC Weatherizing your home may not just be a good idea for keeping warm air inside your house it could keep pests out.

Insects and other pests invade homes every winter in search of a warm place to survive the cold.

Christine Strang, co-owner of Crossroads Pest Control, said boxelder bugs, spiders and mice are among the most common pests invading homes this time of year. Among them, Strang said mice are one of the most destructive pests for homeowners.

Mice often have to constantly chew to keep their teeth a certain length, and this could lead to them chewing through your wiring, drywall and food products, Strang said.

Because of their ability to squeeze through openings the size of a pencil and run along narrow ledges, she said mice have no trouble invading your home. Given adequate living conditions, she said mice can become a nightmare and significant pests for homeowners.

Once you have mice that are old enough to breed, you could end up with about 30 mice within three months time, Strang said.

Mark Lee, manager of Environmental Pest Control, said the multicolored Asian lady beetle is another serious problem for homeowners this time of year. He said beetles are often attracted to heated surfaces and tend to congregate near the sunny side of the home. He said the months of September, October and November are the most active time for the beetles, and areas such as attics and wall voids are common places to find them in your home.

As the heat escapes from inside your home and through the walls, it brings them out of hibernation and into your home, Lee said.

Lee said that although lady beetles pose a lower risk of damaging property, an infestation could be a serious nuisance for homeowners.

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Keep overwintering critters out of your home with weatherization