As the weather gets colder, we’re going to spend more time indoors. This is also true of other members of the animal kingdom, who are beginning to look for shelter. And if your siding has cracks in it, rodents, insects, and other unwanted guests are more likely to call your house your home as the temperature drops.
Why pests are bad (and why they seek shelter in your home)
Both these questions have obvious answers. Pests carry filth and disease. Plus, to most animals, your home is a convenient shelter from the cold, harsh elements of Michigan winters. But there a couple more elements to the dangers of pests you may not be aware of.
First, pests can wreck your home. It’s estimated that rodents are the cause of up to a fifth of house fires, according to professional fire investigator Gordon Ivory. How? Mice need to chew on things constantly to keep their teeth from growing. If they find their way into your home, they can chew through your home’s wooden beams and your electrical outlets.
Second, your home is a smorgasbord of food to animals. Besides any crumb, open bag, or open pet dish, some pests like mice and termites feed on wood. If they go for your home, the entire structure could be compromised. Yikes!
How do pests enter your home (and how can you stop them)?
Bugs can crawl in from gaps in doors and windows. A garage door that’s left open for too long can also invite pests in. But a hidden gateway for pests is your siding. If your home’s siding is loose, cracked, or damaged, an army of ants, termites, or a family of mice could scurry through the hole and make their homer in the walls of your home, venturing out to eat your food and spread germs to you and your family.
You know the old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Inspect your siding today! If you see a crack, loose shingle or board, or a missing part of our siding, address it before the temperature dips.
If your siding is old, weathered, and brittle, it might be time for a replacement. Contact us today and we’ll set up a consultation. Receive a free estimate here, now!