While getting your home ready for winter, you’ll want to take steps to prevent pests from entering the house as they flee cold weather.

Here are four access points to seal before the onset of winter.

Gutters filled with fallen leaves
Before the winter chill arrives, check your roof’s shingles and repair any damaged ones.

1. Roof

Your roof should be inspected every year to check for broken or missing shingles, damaged downspouts and chimney boot disrepair.

Any of these problems could lead to an opening in your home’s ceilings or siding, especially if these areas are compromised.

Insects often build nests during the summer in areas near roof access points, and some species enter the home and remain hidden in walls while building larger nests or hives.

Birds and bats may nest in the chimney, so it is important to have an effective chimney cap in place and to keep the flue closed during cold weather except when using the fireplace.


Damaged foundation
It’s easy to see how pests could enter this home’s damaged foundation. (DepositPhotos)

2. Foundation

Walk around your home to study the foundation. Look for cracks, chips and openings that could lead into the residence.

Patch these entry points to keep mice, rats and small insects from burrowing into your basement when the temperatures drop.

Inspecting the foundation is important for another reason: no water should pool around your home, or it could weaken the foundation.

Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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