As the mercury plummets in Sheridan, CO, so do the rest of us, searching for some warmth. Winter is creeping into the Front Range, and that’s when mice, spiders, and other unwanted houseguests start considering your inviting home as their winter getaway resort. It is a particular problem in older neighborhoods of Sheridan, as homes there, especially around Federal Boulevard and along Hampden Avenue, have multiple points of entry. 

Maybe you see droppings in your larder, notice webs in nooks, or hear odd scratching noises between the walls. These are not minor nuisances; they can damage your property and pose a danger to your family. Whether you are dealing with an existing infestation or want to prevent the problem from taking root, professional Sheridan exterminators can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. 

Why You Need to Be Extra Careful For Pests In Winter

Along with the snow and cold winds of Sheridan’s winter come desperate pests hoping for a place to survive. Local data shows that rodent activity in Denver metro homes rises by nearly 40% during the winter. Your house provides precisely what these pests need: warmth, shelter, and food. Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime, and spiders can find even the most minor cracks to slide through. 

Once inside, they reproduce quickly. Just one mouse can have 5-10 litters each year; therefore, a minor pest issue found in November can turn into a full-blown infestation by February. Our homes are especially enticing to these heat-seeking invaders because we create enclosed spaces during winter, with windows and doors sealed tight and heaters running.

Simple Steps To Block Pests This Winter in Sheridan

  • Seal Every Crack and Gap

Go around the outside of your house and look for potential entry points. Each year, the expansive, shifting soils around Sheridan caused the foundation to move, creating new cracks. Stuffing steel wool and caulk in holes quarter-size or smaller; wire mesh in larger gaps. Particular focus should be on areas where utility pipes enter the house, as these are open entry points for mice.

  • Keep Your Yard Clean

While piles of leaves, firewood stacked on your home, and unmaintained vegetation give pests highways into your home. With the average annual snowfall in Sheridan around 63 inches, any branches or debris that fell during the winter would be covered and remain undisturbed, which is ideal for rodents to settle in. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your house, and prune branches that touch your roof.

  • Store Food Properly

Unsealed food containers attract pantry moths and mice. Please get rid of cereals, grains & pet food, and put them in air-tight containers. Do not leave dirty dishes overnight; clean the crumbs immediately. Pests love real estate in the kitchen, where it is warm, and food is always in supply.

  • Fix Water Issues

Pests are drawn to leaky pipes and standing water year-round, but a major winter-related challenge arises. Pests are drawn to indoor water sources when outdoor water sources freeze, and they will look for moisture indoors. Look under the sinks, fix leaky faucets, and ensure the basement is dry.

  • Inspect Your Attic and Basement

These areas are warm in the winter and go unchecked for long periods. Search for droppings, gnaw marks, or nest materials. Basement corners that are dark and untouched are a favorite for spiders. By conducting frequent inspections, you can ensure problems never escalate.

Going Beyond DIY

Even when you do your utmost, pests can get into the home. And that is where having a professional comes in handy. Saela Pest Control operates in Sheridan and understands the specific pest stressors you face as a homeowner here. Instead, they focus on targeted interventions that address the root cause rather than merely the symptoms.