How to Pest-Proof Your Home for Winter: Complete Checklist

When the first hard freeze hits the Omaha metro, mice and other pests do exactly what you would do: head somewhere warm. For Bellevue homeowners, fall is the window to seal them out before they move in for the winter. Here is a practical checklist.

Seal the outside before the cold

Mice can slip through a gap the width of a pencil. Walk the foundation and exterior and seal cracks, gaps around pipes and utility lines, and worn weatherstripping under doors. Cover vents and chimney openings with mesh. Pay special attention to the garage, where the door seal is a favorite entry point.

Cut off food and water

A warm house with easy food is irresistible. Store pantry items in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and pet food, take out trash regularly, and fix any leaks or condensation that give pests a drink.

Clear the harborage

Move firewood, leaves, and clutter away from the walls, since they give mice and insects cover right next to your foundation. Inside, keep storage areas tidy and off the floor where you can.

Watch for the early signs

Droppings in the pantry or garage, scratching in the walls at night, and chewed packaging all mean something already got in. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to handle.