When the cold temperatures hit, everyone wants to find a way to get warm, including unwanted rodents and pests. Your HVAC system could be the exact destination they are looking for but if you are not trying to house a new pet, here are some ways to keep them out.
While one mouse may not be bad, usually where there is one, there are more and if they get into your HVAC they can cause a lot of problems. Keep the areas with ductwork, attic, and crawlspace, closed and sealed. Cats especially love to get into crawl spaces. They are able to cut open vents with their claws and enjoy the warm air inside. Mice and squirrels tend to do the same thing in your attic space. Pests can get in through extremely small areas. Sealing up your HVAC, as well as cracks or holes on your home’s exterior, is the first line of defense in keeping them away.
Another area that can be a breeding ground for pests is your gutters and downspouts. If debris pile up, this provides a cozy place for animals to reproduce leading to bigger pest problems. If your downspouts are clogged, it can also cause the area to become damp. Animals tend to love areas where there is moisture.
Lastly, keep your trash cans as far away from your home as you can. Trash cans are full of things that insects and rodents love to eat. Keeping the can closed and away from your home will help keep animals away.
If you suspect a problem, call us at 919-755-1957. We will come out right away to inspect your ductwork for damage. Fixing the ductwork is easy, getting rid of the pests is another issue so it is best to do all you can to keep them out, to begin with.