With fall just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to think about keeping our homes cozy and free from unwanted guests. As the weather cools, mice and insects start looking for warmer places to spend the winter, and that often means our homes.
I was chatting with my neighbor, Carol, the other day, and she shared a simple trick that’s been working wonders for her. She swears by stuffing steel wool into any small gaps or holes she finds around the base of her house, especially in those tricky corners. Mice, apparently, really dislike chewing through it, and it’s a pretty low-effort way to block their entry points. It’s one of those ideas that seems so straightforward, but it really makes you think about all the tiny ways these little creatures can get inside.
My own experience with professional pest control a few years back also taught me a lot. We had a persistent issue with ants, and no matter what I tried, they just kept coming back. I finally called a company, and they did a thorough inspection. They pointed out a few entry points I’d completely overlooked, like tiny cracks near the window frames and even a small gap around a pipe going into the basement. They used a combination of sealants and baits, and it made a huge difference. While it was an expense, the peace of mind knowing it was handled professionally was worth it for us.
Prevention is definitely key, though. Before the colder weather truly sets in, it’s a good idea to do a walk-around your home.
Here are a few practical things you can do:
- Inspect the exterior: Look for any cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and holes where pipes or wires enter your home. Seal these up with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Check your weatherstripping: Make sure the seals around doors and windows are intact and not dried out or cracked. This is a big one for keeping out both pests and drafts.
- Manage food sources: Inside, keep food sealed in airtight containers. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly. Outside, make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are kept away from the house if possible.
- Yard debris: Clear away leaf piles and debris from around your foundation, as these can provide shelter for insects and rodents.
Taking these small steps now can save you a lot of hassle down the road. It’s all about being proactive and making your home less inviting to our tiny, uninvited neighbors. Carol’s steel wool tip is definitely going into my autumn checklist!