2011 was a year best not remembered by some consumers.

As we tightened our belts and made sensible purchases as opposed to extravagant ones we may have forgotten what pest management really entails.

When considering the health and property threats posed by pests maybe we should re-evaluate our thoughts of pest management being a luxury as opposed to a necessity.

Just because our yards may be covered with snow doesn't mean that pests are not active. Spider, cricket and rodent infestations are at the top of the list followed by moisture and fungus in our crawl spaces and basements.

How to Pest Proof your home for WINTER

In the fall, when days grow shorter and outdoor temperatures begin to plummet, pests with four or more legs begin to resurface inside homes.

Pests don’t go away when it gets warmer, cooler, dryer, wetter, or windier. They simply adapt to the environment. Homeowners need to take steps to ensure their houses keep pests out rather than in.

This time of year, the house mouse is the most common pest in and around homes. They eat and contaminate our food, chew up woodwork and can create electrical fires by gnawing on wires. Other rodents such as chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums can get into open areas seeking food.

The National Pest Management Association offers ten tips for winter pest proofing:

1. Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home.
2. Make sure vents are screened and gaps around windows and doors are sealed.
3. Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
4. Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects.
5. Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
6. Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
7. Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off of the ground.
8. Repair fascia and sofits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
9. Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
10. A licensed and qualified pest control professional is your best resource to ensure these steps are completed properly.

For further tips, visit pestworld.org

Continue to protect your family, pets and home from infestations…maintain your pest control service contracts throughout the year to ensure that the quality of your environment is intact and pest free.

Click Here to Learn more about PermaTreat and Integrated Pest Management.