What Should You Do About Unwanted Pests in Your Home?

It’s the time of year when most of us are shopping for the holidays, enjoying winter sports or cozying up by the fire to watch a movie. It’s also the time of year when unwanted critters try to make their way indoors for warmth and food. 

I have had the misfortune of having a few minor critter infestations over the years, from mice to ants to wasps to birds. Wasps were especially fun. I never used to think much about these critters until I started watching the show “Infested” on Animal Planet.  Some of the infestations were so bad that the homeowners were forced out of their homes – permanently. The critters had taken over the house and won. After watching just one episode I armed myself with a caulking gun and sealed every single crack and hole I could find on the outside of my house. So far so good.

There was an article in The Toronto Star this week about a semi-detached house in Riverdale that is infested with rats.While the house is abandoned I would hate to be the unfortunate soul living in the house attached to it.

There are steps you can take to minimize, and hopefully eliminate, the risk of unwanted animals or bugs getting into your home.  First, seal all holes and cracks on the outside of your house. A good way to do this is to stuff them with steel wool and then seal them off with caulking compound.

Second, if you have any large trees close enough to your house that squirrels or raccoons can get on to your roof, you might want to consider getting rid of it. Depending on where you live, you may have to get city approval to remove the tree. I have a large tree immediately in front of my house and just this past summer a raccoon was on my roof trying to get in through a second story window.

Third, if you have an outdoor compost bin keep it as far away from the house as possible. 

Finally, make sure all garbage can lids are tightly closed and kept in either the garage or backyard shed, if possible.

The show “Infested” hasn’t been on for several weeks now. While I enjoyed watching it, I think it made me a bit paranoid. I keep hearing sounds coming from my attic …

When you’re ready to buy or sell in the Burlington or Oakville area, or for the name of a good exterminator, please contact me. I can help!