Seal and Secure Before the Chill Deepens

When temperatures start to drop, rodents and other pests go into overdrive searching for warm, safe shelter—and your home offers everything they need. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, and rats can flatten their bodies to slip under gaps barely wider than a pencil. Once inside, they can contaminate food, chew through wires, and even nest within walls.

Before Ottawa’s snow and ice make exterior checks difficult, take time for a full winter sealing inspection. This single step can prevent months of pest frustration and costly repairs later.

Step-by-Step: How to Seal and Secure Your Home

1. Start with a Full Perimeter Walkaround

   • Circle your home slowly and look for any visible cracks, gaps, or openings.

   • Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners, basement windows, and foundation lines.

   • Don’t forget to check behind bushes or decorative features where damage can go unnoticed.

2. Inspect and Seal Common Entry Points
   Pay close attention to these vulnerable zones:

   • Cracks and Gaps in Foundations or Walls: Even small hairline fractures can expand in freezing temperatures, creating access routes for pests. Seal them with exterior-grade caulk or mortar.

   • Windows and Door Frames: Check weather stripping for wear or gaps. Replace worn strips and use silicone sealant around edges to block cold air and crawling pests.

   • Utility Pipes and Vents: Examine areas where plumbing, electrical lines, and HVAC systems enter your home. Fill any spaces around pipes with steel wool (rodents won’t chew through it), followed by expanding foam to secure the seal.

   • Rooflines, Soffits, and Eaves: Loose siding or small holes near the roof can allow birds, bats, or squirrels inside. Patch or screen these openings with fine metal mesh (¼" or smaller).

   • Garage Doors and Basement Entrances: Look for daylight seeping through gaps at the bottom or sides. Replace worn door sweeps and rubber seals to ensure a tight closure.

3. Use the Right Materials for Long-Term Protection
   Choosing pest-resistant materials makes all the difference:

   • Steel Wool: Best for small openings around pipes and vents.

   • Expanding Foam Sealant: Perfect for filling medium gaps (combine with steel wool to prevent chewing).

   • Caulk: Use for windows, siding seams, and small cracks.

   • Weather Stripping: Essential for sealing door edges and movable joints.

   • Fine Metal Mesh: Ideal for vents, chimneys, and roof openings that require airflow.

4. Finish with a Seasonal Maintenance Check

   • Once sealing is complete, inspect your home again at the start of each new season.

   • Look for signs of wear, shifting, or new openings caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

   • Keep a simple checklist or photos to compare from year to year—this helps catch small problems before they become major entry points.

Keep Storage Areas Clean and Organized

When winter arrives, most homeowners use basements, attics, and garages to store seasonal decorations, tools, or outdoor furniture. But these quiet, dimly lit spaces also create the perfect refuge for pests—especially mice, rats, and spiders seeking warmth and shelter. Once they move in, they can chew through belongings, leave droppings, and contaminate stored items.

Taking a few preventive steps now can make your storage zones unwelcoming to pests all winter long.

Step-by-Step: How to Pest-Proof Your Storage Areas

1. Declutter and Sort Regularly

   • Start by emptying your storage areas and sorting through what’s really needed.

   • Donate or dispose of unused items, broken furniture, or old cardboard boxes that can harbor pests.

   • Reducing clutter not only frees up space but also eliminates nesting opportunities.

   • Pay close attention to corners, behind shelving units, and under stored furniture—these are favorite hiding spots for rodents and insects.

2. Upgrade to Pest-Resistant Containers

   • Replace all cardboard boxes with sealed plastic bins that have tight-fitting lids. Rodents can chew through cardboard easily, and insects can hide between the layers.

   • Use clear containers so you can quickly identify contents without opening every bin.

   • Label bins clearly to make future organization easier—less disturbance means fewer hiding opportunities for pests.

   • Avoid storing items in plastic bags, open bins, or fabric containers, which offer minimal protection from moisture and pests.

3. Keep Everything Off the Floor

   • Use shelving units or pallets to elevate items at least 6–8 inches above the floor.

   • This reduces direct access for crawling pests like silverfish, , and spiders.

   • Keeping space underneath items also allows for easier cleaning and inspection.

   • If using metal shelving, ensure legs are capped or placed on smooth surfaces to prevent rodent climbing.

4. Clean and Sanitize Thoroughly

   • Before reorganizing, vacuum floors and corners to remove dust, webs, and debris that can attract pests.

   • Wipe down shelves with a mild disinfectant to eliminate any food residue or nesting scent trails.

   • Regularly sweep and vacuum the area—especially near doorways or access points—to discourage pest buildup.

   • For basements, ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which attracts insects and rodents.

5. Inspect for Early Warning Signs of Activity
   During and after cleaning, carefully look for indicators of pest presence:

   • Droppings or urine stains (common with mice and rats).

   • Gnaw marks on boxes, wires, or furniture edges.

   • Nests made of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric.

   • Spider webs in corners, beams, or ceiling edges.

   • Strange odors, especially musty or musky smells that signal hidden infestations.
     If you notice any of these, call Wayne’s Pest Extermination promptly for a professional inspection and treatment before pests spread further.

6. Add Preventive Finishing Touches

   • Install door sweeps or weather stripping on basement and garage doors.

   • Place rodent traps or monitoring stations near high-risk areas.

   • Use essential oil deterrents (like peppermint or eucalyptus) in corners to discourage rodents naturally.

   • Keep lighting adequate—pests prefer dark, undisturbed environments.

At Wayne’s Pest Extermination, we believe prevention is the best defense. Whether it’s sealing entry points, inspecting attics, or maintaining a full-season protection plan, our team is ready to help you enjoy a pest-free winter and a fresh start to the new year.

Contact or visit Wayne’s Pest Extermination Ottawa
for your year-end pest inspection and start 2026 pest-free!

[https://waynespestexterminationottawa.com/]