The chilly season is just around the corner. While you might think this means you can take a break from pest-proofing your home, you're not out of the woods. Unfortunately, a variety of critters continue to lurk inside and outside of houses in the winter, so this isn't the time to let your guard down.
Why Do You Need Pest Control During Winter?
As the weather gets colder, many animals like to make their way into houses to stay warm. They can bring bacteria and viruses into your home, damage your walls and floorboards, and chew through wiring. The good news is using wire mesh for pest control during the winter season is easier and more affordable than you may think. You can install metal mesh screens to keep these five common cold-weather critters away.
1. Mice and Rats
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), mice and rats invade more than 20 million homes in the U.S. every winter. Though you might see fewer rodents outside in the colder months, this is one of the reasons why you need winter pest control.
TWP Inc. carries hardware cloth, screens, and wire mesh for mouse control and rat exclusion. Rodent-proof wire mesh comes in welded, galvanized, or black poly-coated stainless steel, which can be used to close off exposed pipes, drains, vents, and other nooks and crannies throughout your home.
2. Squirrels
Rats and mice aren't the only rodents you need to keep an eye out for during the fall and winter. Depending on where you live, you might notice squirrels hanging around your home, too.
To keep these unwelcome houseguests at bay year-round, a proactive approach is best. In other words, instead of trying to get rid of squirrels in your home, you'll want to keep them from entering altogether. You can use wire mesh to cover your attic vents, foundation vents, and chimney, as well as around the base of any trees you'd like to keep squirrel-free this winter.
3. Insects
Some insects are certainly seasonal pests, but this doesn't mean you won't get any bugs during the winter. Installing insect screens is always a smart choice. TWP Inc. has industrial-quality hardware cloth and wire mesh ideal for shielding your home from insects while promoting airflow.
Also, installing wire mesh gutter guards and cleaning your gutters regularly can prevent bugs from breeding and getting into your home. Additionally, moths can appear in the fall and winter, usually getting in through drains. Covering the drains in your sinks, bathtub, and shower with hardware cloth can help keep moths out.
4. Spiders
There are roughly 3,500 spider species in the U.S., with a few hundred appearing in each region throughout the year. Though North American spiders are mostly harmless to humans, you might not like the thought (or sight) of them crawling around on your walls and ceilings.
Similar to excluding bugs, insect screens and gutter guards can help you keep spiders out in the winter. Sealing off cracks, holes, and other potential entrances can also help.
5. Raccoons
Raccoons tend to lurk around houses at night, particularly near trash bins and other food sources. They can be a nuisance for homeowners, even in the winter, but excluding these nocturnal animals with wire mesh is relatively easy.
Heavy-duty stainless steel wire mesh is not only effective at keeping raccoons away but also non-toxic and humane. For best results, use galvanized welded or woven mesh, which is impenetrable for most winter pests.
Affordable Pest Control & Exclusion Wire Mesh from TWP Inc.
If you're looking for an affordable DIY pest-control solution this winter, wire mesh is your best bet. Whether you're looking to exclude rodents, insects, spiders, or raccoons, metal screens are a safe, eco-friendly, and effective option.
TWP Inc. is proud to offer a broad range of industrial-grade mesh materials for both residential and commercial use. For over 50 years, our women-owned company has been supplying top-tier products and providing personalized services to customers from around the world. Browse our products online today or request a quote on a custom order.
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