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Have you thought about your pest control plan before cooler temperatures arrive? According to PestWorld.org, rodents invade an estimated 21 million U.S. homes each winter, and 24 percent of homeowners report mice infestations specifically during winter months. Fall pests like rodents typically move in between October and February, searching for food, water, and shelter.
Taking the right precautions is necessary to protect your tools and equipment, prevent structural damage, reduce health risks, keep your space usable and clean, and ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Because pests like rats can squeeze through gaps as small as a quarter, you’ll want to understand the best ways to protect your property from unwanted visitors. We spoke to pest management experts about their suggestions for deterring or getting rid of rodents and other critters around exterior draws of a home, such as firewood piles, deck skirting, and sheds.
Keep wood piles away from the house and raise them off the ground.
Storing firewood up off the ground is an important step for keeping pests at bay, says Brandon Runyon, board-certified entomologist at Swat Pest Management in Evansville, Indiana. He suggests buying a stand or building one to hold the wood. “Keep it off the ground and out of the rain,” says Runyon. “Don’t keep it on the side of your house, either, since that creates a spot for insects, spiders, and critters to harbor and easily access your home,” he adds. Store any wood piles at least 20 feet away from the house and cover them with a tarp.
Seal entry points.
To effectively pest-proof outdoor structures like sheds and decks, it’s essential to seal all potential entry points and block access to spaces underneath. First, inspect walls, floors, doors, vents, and bases for any gaps, cracks, or holes. If you find openings, then apply caulk, silicone, expandable foam, steel wool, weather stripping, or wire mesh to eliminate them.
Install perimeter barriers such as mesh screens, wire mesh skirting, or lattices anchored slightly underground to prevent mice, insects, snakes, raccoons, and burrowing pests from entering elevated sheds decks, says Runyon. He also advises, “the smaller, the better” for the barrier’s openings.
Remove food storage from outbuildings.
By eliminating food sources, you get rid of a major attraction for insects, rodents, and other pests. This includes food trash, birdseed, and pet food. “A big problem is when people leave their pets’ food out,” notes Matt Smith, licensed professional pest control technician and co-owner of Green Pest Management in Delaware. Instead, keep pet food in sealed containers and give your pets the right amount so there aren’t leftovers that will lure rodents into your space, he suggests.
Keep garbage cans secure and covered.
Garbage can easily become an invitation for pests to wreak havoc, so keep waste away from your shed and deck. “Another good idea is to keep your trash cans covered so they don’t attract raccoons and other animals,” says Runyon. Consider purchasing trash cans that have pest-proof lids to prevent insects and animals from making their way in.
Use natural deterrents in your shed and around your deck.
Another solution to keep critters off your deck and out of your shed is to use some natural pest controls that they dislike. Light some citronella candles around your deck to keep mosquitoes, flies, and other pests away. Strategically plant certain herbs and flowers like rosemary, garlic, lemongrass, chrysanthemums, and marigolds near your deck and shed to deter unwanted guests. To tackle an ant infestation naturally, sprinkle coffee grounds or cinnamon around the base of your shed or your deck. Finally, try spraying essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender, which are known to deter a variety of pests.
Install motion-activated sprinklers or solar lights.
Finally, if you are still having issues after blocking access, Runyon recommends installing motion-activated sprinklers or solar lights to deter wandering animals in your yard.
