Winter is here, and homeowners must keep their homes warm and cozy. Unfortunately, some unwanted visitors may try to sneak in as the temperature drops. We are talking about critters looking for a warm place to stay during the harsh winter months.

Protecting your home from these pests is important, so homeowners should learn some ways critters can sneak into your home during the winter. Understanding their methods can help you stop them in their tracks.

Down the Chimney

In the chilly grip of winter, critters ingeniously exploit your home’s warmth, with chimneys serving as their express elevator. This passage is particularly inviting for agile creatures such as squirrels and raccoons; birds may even nest within.

They effortlessly bypass your home’s defenses as they hurry or flutter down your chimney. However, you’re not defenseless. The simplest safeguard is installing a wire mesh or chimney cap, which acts as a gatekeeper, allowing smoke to escape while barring critters. Sealing gaps around the chimney further fortifies your home, converting your welcoming chimney into an impenetrable fortress.

Slipping Through the Cracks

The nimble bodies of mice and rats allow them to infiltrate your home through minuscule cracks and holes. These critters exploit weaknesses in your walls, floors, and, specifically, your foundation, which is often a vulnerable entry point.

Additionally, crawlspaces and attics are vulnerable entry locations since nobody sees them. The easiest way to keep these unwanted guests out is to do routine inspections and seal any potential entry points using sturdy materials such as steel wool or caulk. Remember, the devil is in the details—a single gap missed might welcome a huge infestation.

Open-Door Policy

Doors and windows, despite their primary function as portals for humans, can inadvertently welcome a host of pests. A brief opening may act as an invitation for insects and rodents, letting them infiltrate your warm abode.

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Fortify your defenses by employing weatherstripping and door sweeps to seal gaps around doors and windows. Caulking any cracks further ensures the steady insulation of your home. Screens and window nets are another great deterrent, especially for insects, since they provide a physical barrier between your home and potential intruders without blocking off natural light.

In the Gutter

Gutter damage may seem minor, but it can be an open invitation for pests to make themselves known. Damaged or sagging gutters create a reservoir of stagnant water and debris and an ideal breeding ground for insects.

Also, critters can follow your gutters and downspouts right to your roof or attic. You can prevent your gutters from becoming rodent superhighways by keeping them clean and in good shape. Otherwise, the impact of faulty gutters can ruin your home over time.

Knowing the ways critters can sneak into your home during the winter can help turn your vulnerable home that’s open season for all into a fortress that’s impossible to penetrate. Keeping these nuisances away from your castle ensures the only family sleeping under your roof is your own—not your undomesticated furry friends.