As the cold weather continues to roll in, you and your family are not the only ones that are enjoying the warmth of your home. Different pests and insects will try their best at becoming unwanted guests in your house this winter. Mice, bugs, and other pests are not just nuisances: they can cause serious and irreparable damage to your home. This article discusses the different pests and ways to prevent pest damage in your home in the winter time.
Types of Wintertime Pests
There are many different animals and insects that could be looking for a place to stay this winter. Make sure to view our previous blog to see a list of the top three insect homewreckers, Home Damaging Insects and Insurance.
- Carpenter Ants: a major nuisance that loves to eat wood. Also, this insect can grow wings and fly. These ants can come into your house via water-damaged property, and make nests within your walls and cupboards.
- Rats: The two most common types are Norway rats and roof rats. These animals thrive in clutter and mess and can bring sickness, diseases, and different pathogens into your home. Rodents are known to carry over 35 different diseases.
- Stink Bugs: A very common New England pest, these bugs do not cause any major structural or health issues, but have a very foul odor to them if squished.
- Squirrels: Seemingly cute and cuddly, these animals can chew their way through your roof and into your attic. Once inside, they can chew through anything in your home, causing massive damage.
Preventing Pest Damage to Your Home
There are a lot of different ways in which to prevent any of these pests from entering your home:
- Assess the outside of your home and seal up any external entry points that vermin can get into, such as the foundation, screens on windows, and small holes in the shingles. Exclusion is the best way to avoid pest damage.
- Chimney caps are useful to stop entry from above, as overhanging tree limbs act as offramps onto your roof and into your home.
- Bait, snap, or glue traps are available if carpenter ants or rats are in your home.
Damage from these types of animals is usually not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. The only way your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the damage is if it was both sudden and accidental. Long-term preventable damage is usually not covered by your policy, as they expect you to keep up on your home’s maintenance, as well as keep on top of any pest or insect problems you may have. However, there are some options available for those looking for pest coverage, such as an exterminator bonded with your insurance company. For more information on different options available to you, contact TJ Woods Insurance today.
