If you spend your winters or even a few weeks on vacation in a warmer climate, you might be preparing for your departure sometime soon. But before you leave to enjoy the sunshine and warmth, take care to prepare the home you’re leaving behind.
Here are eight destructive things you don’t want to find when you return home. Follow these precautions to help you avoid the damage they could bring while you’re away.
1. A New Colony of Bats (and Their Guano)
According to the National Pest Management Association, all species of bats prefer the warm, dark protection of indoor attics and interior roof eaves to cold caves and tree cavities, especially during winter. And they can do significant damage by making exterior holes even bigger and excreting guano onto attic rafters (often just above your ceiling). Once they get in, it can be very difficult to get them out: about a dozen U.S. bat species are on the endangered species list and are protected by federal laws, so preventing bats from roosting in your home is your best option.
Since bats are able to squeeze through very narrow cracks and slits, a visual inspection of all roof eaves, roof pitch changes, cornices, fascia, any other roof venting and the chimney must be done just before you leave the house for an extended period of time. Seal any small cracks or open slits with caulk and have a professional apply permanent screening or metal mesh around the interior of eaves and vents and over the tops of chimneys.
2. Insects Lined Up for Dinner
Ants, cockroaches and moths will be first to notice if you leave any food or water sources, no matter how small, anywhere in the house. And absolutely no one (save for the most dedicated entomologists) wants to come back to find a mountain of ants living under plant pots or cockroaches darting into dark crevices underneath sinks.
To help prevent an insect infestation, completely wash and dry all kitchen surfaces. The insides and outsides of cabinets, under and behind the refrigerator and the stove, and even the kitchen table and chairs should be cleaned thoroughly to remove all sources of food. Wipe or mop up any standing water.
During the colder months, some bugs will try to invade your home, looking for protection from the elements. Don’t make this easy for them. Use caulk to seal all window frames and sills completely, and inspect and replace weatherstripping and door sweeps as necessary.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Rodents
Rats and mice also come for food, but can cause much more damage because they tend to nest inside the walls of your home. Imagine returning from your sojourn to find droppings and gnaw marks all over your home, and being greeted by the smell of dead rodents in your wall.
In addition to cleaning the kitchen, search for food in unlikely places, such as under and in-between bed frames, mattresses and couch cushions, where candy wrappers, crumbs and stashed food can attract these pests. Also inspect the exterior of the house for any cracks or holes in the foundation, siding or windows where mice or rats can crawl in. Remove any overhanging tree limbs, as they may allow raccoons, roof rats and squirrels to take up residence in the attic insulation, damaging rafters and ceilings with their droppings and gnawing.
