With the leaves dropping and the temperature to follow, your home could be attracting some unwelcome guests. Fall is the busy season for Entomologist Taz Stuart. “Fall is always the crazy time, yes,” he said. Stuart said even the smallest holes in your home can be an open invitation for squirrels and mice. “All they need is literally the size of a pen or your finger to get in, so making sure they can’t get into your house is key,” he said. So close up those gaps with wire mesh or steel wool and cap it off with pest-resistant spray foam. If needed, call in the experts to set some traps. “We will do a full search of your property to try to determine where they’re coming in and out and provide appropriate devices to remove that problem,” Stuart said. With the pest problem sealed up tight, you can tick it off the list and take on the next task to make your home winter ready. The city said outdoor faucets are the first to freeze. So before the snow flies, make sure to disconnect your garden hose, shut off the water supply inside, and drain the line. When it comes to keeping your home warm and cozy, CAA Insurance says furnace maintenance is a must. “It’s really important to make sure that you’re keeping that in order and making sure that it is serviced on a regular basis to avoid any challenges,” said Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations for CAA Insurance. Silverstein said there are a few more things to keep an eye on to make sure you have a stress-free winter. When the snow finally does arrive, Silverstein has a tip for homeowners. “Particularly during cold snaps, it’s important to let a small trickle of cold water drip from your faucets, because you want to make sure that you’re not going to run the risk of pipes being frozen,” he said.
