You wake up in the middle of the night. It felt like something was moving…on you? The light through the windows catches on two adorable, but beady eyes – a flying squirrel.

Never mind that they are relatively harmless and very cute, who wants a flying squirrel wandering around in the home? And like many pests where there’s one, there’s 40.

Flying squirrels are one of many small pests that like to make themselves at home with you over the winter as the cold sets in. Don’t let your home be their home, too – call a professional today.

Pest-Proofing

Small mammals like mice are remarkably good about wiggling their way into your home as the winter months set in. An essential part of pest control is defending your home against infestation. This means spending time identifying areas where winter pests may be entering the home and blocking potential entry.

It is astounding how small of a space mice can enter. They can squeeze through an opening of 7/10 of an inch. This means that protecting your home against the invasion of these winter pests will require a serious review of all of exterior surfaces.

Attic vents will need chicken wire coverings to prevent mice and squirrels. Holes behind exterior light fixtures should be secured to ensure mice are not squeezing in with the wires. Any gaps under doors may need new weather stripping or to be packed with steel wool. Foundation cracks should be filled with cement or caulk.

Pest-proofing means staying one step ahead of your wanna-be guests.

Trapping

Due to the size of some winter pests – racoons in your attic, anyone? – trapping may be one of the better options available. Typical pest control measures like kill traps and poison can be problematic with mammals that may then die in walls, attics, or crawl spaces.

For these pests, we can strategize with you regarding their removal. If doing a trap and release, they must be taken far away from the home before being let go. This assures that they will not return.

Winter Insects

As the snow melts and the damp season sets in, be sure to stay on top of any wood that is wet. This can attract carpenter ants and termites. These pests must be eradicated at the first sign as they can cause very serious structural damage.

Need a consultation over some Portland cold weather pests? Get in touch with Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control at (207) 650-8654.