“Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter,” says Missy Henriksen, an NPMA spokesperson. “But with many places already experiencing cold weather conditions, it is important to be proactive and vigilant in preventing these pests from becoming unwelcome houseguests.” (businessinsider.com)

(Lindsay Wildlife Experience)
Yes, it’s great to leave your chimney open for Santa to leave presents on Christmas night, but these pests are not coming for the cookies and leaving on their sleigh afterwards. Nope! They’re coming to STAY!

Prevention is our first line of defense!

(www.redbubble.com)
Here are a few tips on how YOU can help prevent pests from joining your holiday parties:

1. Keep items in boxes and plastic sealed containers, rather than cardboard boxes. This goes for boxes of food especially! So make sure you store your food in airtight containers.
2. Get rid of garbage regularly.
3. Install screens over chimney vents and openings. (Sorry Santa!)
4. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, paying close attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home. These pests will find any nook or cranny to get into your warm home from!
5. Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around basement foundation and windows.
6. Install gutters or diverts to channel water away from your home.
7. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground.

Check your insulation, wires and walls for any gnaw marks. If you find rodent feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or observe other signs of an infestation, then you are past the point of prevention. Unfortunately, these pests are there to stay once they get in.

To get rid of these unwanted pests, you’ll need to contact a licensed pest professional.

Have a Happy Holiday season!