Unwanted pests like rodents and insects like to move indoors during fall and winter to find warmth and escape the New York City cold. Not only are they a nuisance, but many rodents and insects like cockroaches can spread germs and diseases in your home through their saliva and feces – yuck! Plus, cockroach sheddings are a huge trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms for those who are allergic. Use the following tips to keep these unwanted pests from enjoying the comforts of your warm New York home.

• Pests can sneak into your home through the smallest of crevices so inspect your home for entry points. Seal all gaps and cracks you find in your exterior using a silicone-based caulk. Seal openings at joints of siding and overhanging eaves and where utility cables or pipes enter your home. Make sure you have a cap or wire mesh around any chimney openings.
• Check the weather stripping on doors and windows. Make sure it is snug and you are not able to lift it away from the surface. If necessary, replace any worn weather-stripping. Next, make sure your window and door frames are not warped and everything sits properly without leaving gaps. Not only will this project keep out the pests, but it will also lower your heating bill this winter!
• Trimming bushes and branches away from the home will also prevent easy access for pests to move indoors.
• Unwanted pests are in search of water just as much as they are searching for warmth and food so fix any leaks that could give them access to water. Check very closely under sinks and in the basement or crawl space. Keeping your home dry is one of the easiest, best ways to keep pests out.
• Avoid having piles of clutter in and around your home. Pests can hide in boxes, clothing, piles of paper, inside furniture, really inside anything you haven’t put to good use lately. By denying them the shelter of clutter, pests will have a much harder time surviving in your home. Keep in mind clutter around the perimeter of a house or building such as piles of wood, bricks, or stone can also provide shelter for unwanted pests.
• Wipe kitchen surfaces daily, including counters, stove tops, microwave ovens, toasters, and sinks. Don’t leave dishes to pile up in the sink and make sure to clean crumbs and spills right away. Store all food in airtight containers, especially in the pantry. Keep the pantry tidy so that you can spot unwelcomed visitors right away.
• Wash all pet food dishes daily and never leave out pet food overnight. A full bowl of food is an easy target for unwanted pests. Store pet food in a tightly sealed container.
• Dispose of garbage regularly. Cover all trash cans tightly, indoors and outdoors, to prevent a feeding frenzy for pests.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!