The Ultimate Cottage & Home Pest Shut-down Checklist

A little preparation goes a long way. Follow The Balson Way to protect your home or cottage from winter pests.

Keep critters out and peace of mind in... The Balson Way.

As temperatures drop around Simcoe County and cottage country, rodents and wildlife start looking for a warm place to spend the winter and your home can look like the perfect getaway.

Taking a few proactive steps before winter can save you from costly damage, chewed wiring or unwanted attic guests in the spring. Here's everything you need to do to keep your property pest-free all winter long.

1. Seal it Up

Pests don't need much space to squeeze their way inside, a mouse can fit through a gap the size of a dime.

• Inspect around doors, vents, soffits and the foundation for cracks and chew marks.

• Seal gaps with steel mesh, expanding foam or caulking (depending on the area).

• Install rodent barriers around plumbing or electrical penetrations.

• Make sure attic and roof vents are screened and secure.

If you have had any previous wildlife issues, this step is critical. Raccoons and squirrels often return to the same entry points year after year.

2. Remove the Attractants

   
   

   If there's food, there's motivation.

• Store bird seed, pet food and dry good in sealed plastic or metal containers.

• Empty all garbage and compost bins before closing up.

• Clear gutters and eavestrough so water drains properly. Moisture attracts pests and causes rot.

A tidy perimeter makes your property less appealing to both rodents and insects.

3. Trim & Tidy

Overgrown shrubs and tree branches make it easy for wildlife to access your roofline.

• Trim branches at least 6-8 feet away from your home or cottage.

• Move firewood 20 feet from exterior walls and keep it off the ground.

• Clear gutters and eavestroughs so water drains properly. Moisture attracts pests and causes rot.

A tidy perimeter makes your property less appealing to both rodents and insects.

4. Protect the Inside

Don't give pests a place to nest while you're away.

• Set monitoring traps in the attic, crawlspaces and utility rooms.

• Store bedding, linens and clothing in sealed bins instead of cardboard boxes.

• Cover furniture and mattresses.

If your cottage or home is seasonal, check in mid-winter if possible to ensure everything's still sealed tight.

5. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Even a few small gaps can lead to big problems. A quick inspection by a professional can identify hidden entry points and prevent infestations before they start.

At Balson Pest Control & Wildlife Solutions, our technicians specialize in rodent and wildlife exclusion, locating, sealing and protecting vulnerable areas the right way.

The Balson Way

Whether it's a cottage on Georgian Bay or a home in Orillia, we help homeowners protect what matters most.

REMOVE PESTS. REPAIR DAMAGE. RESTORE PEACE OF MIND.

Need help preparing your home or cottage for winter?

Give us a call! 1-800-563-5185 or visit us at www.bpcinc.ca

If you live in Bala, our local pest control team can help inspect and seal entry points before winter: https://www.bpcinc.ca/locations/bala