Winter is a time when you're cooped up inside, and while you're inside you won't want to be surrounded by pests. To help you prevent pests in your home this winter, read on for a few tips.

Clean Up Leaves

Those leaves that have blown up against your home are going to need to be removed. They may be a good cover for your landscape garden, but they are also a good place for pests as well. They provide a nice cover for rodents, spiders, and other pests as well. Clean out the leaves in your yard and the leaves against your home and foundation. Clean up the leaves before winter hits, as they can be more difficult to remove once they are covered in snow.

Clear Out Your Garden

Clean out the garden of all of the plants that are dead or decaying, as these can still be used for pests to feed off of. Pull out the plants you have left and any vegetables or fruits in the garden as well. Remove any other plants and leaves still in the garden, as these can also be used for cover for pests and attract the pests to your yard.

Seal the House

Seal your home against pests by replacing or repairing the seals around your windows and doors. These are areas where pests can easily get inside your home. Pests can squeeze into these small spaces and into your home. Rodents can easily squeeze into these small spaces, not just insects, so be sure to seal even the smallest of holes. A rodent can squeeze into your home through almost any opening, as the bones in its body will flex and bend. Seal any holes in the foundation and any holes in your siding as well.

Clean the Garage

Clean out your garage before the winter months and clear out the clutter inside. Remove anything you don't need any longer, which pests can easily use for nesting materials or just to hide. Clean out old fertilizer bags or birdseed, which rodents can use to feed on. Also, remove any garbage you may have in the garage; keeping your garage clean and tidy can help to prevent pests such as rodents or roaches this winter.

If you don't want to share your space with pests, then you should take these steps. If you're still having issues with pests, then you should hire a pest control company to help you.