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As winter approaches, the cozy confines of your mobile home become all the more inviting, not just for you but for some uninvited guests – critters! As temperatures drop, pests like rodents, raccoons, and opossums seek refuge from the chill, and the space beneath your mobile home can look pretty inviting. Whether you’re gearing up for the chilly season or have noticed some furry intruders making your home their winter retreat, worry not. We’ve got your back. In this article, we look at how to keep those critters at bay — ensuring your only dependents are those listed on your tax return.
Where Do Critters Stay in a Mobile Home?
Critters, just like us, seek shelter from the cold during winter. To properly protect your home, you need to know common places for pests to call home. You’ve probably already considered rodents scurrying in your walls, gaps around vents and ducts, or spiders lurking in corners. However, the most common spot is right beneath your feet.
That’s right, the underbelly of your mobile home is often warm and sheltered, making it an ideal hiding place for critters. From here, they can work inward, invading your home from every angle.
Here are some other common areas where critters might venture in:
- Walls and Roofing
- Windows and Doors
- Vents and Ducts
- Skirting and Insulation
- Cracks and Holes
- Under Porches and Decks
The Dangers of Mobile Home Pests
Critters under your mobile home can affect more than your peace of mind. They can pose serious risks.
Here are some of the dangers you should be aware of:
- Health Concerns: Pests can carry diseases and parasites that pose a threat to both humans and pets. These risks can include physical harm from bites or stings, infections from microbes on their bodies, food contamination, rabies from infected saliva, and potential respiratory issues and allergies from droppings and urine.
- Structural Damage: Pests can chew through insulation, electrical wiring, and structural elements, leading to costly repairs.
- Energy Efficiency: Critters can damage your insulation and create openings, leading to heat loss and higher energy bills during the winter.
- Fire Hazards: Chewed wires create a significant fire risk, which can endanger the safety of your home.
Keep Your Mobile Home Critter Free
Now that you understand the dangers an infestation can cause, you must take preventive measures to keep them out of your mobile home. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your mobile home critter-free:
Check for Damage
Critters often find their way into mobile homes through cracks, holes, or damage in the walls, roofing, or skirting. Before winter sets in, take the time to inspect your mobile home for any vulnerabilities. Look for:
- Openings or cracks in the walls or roofing
- Damaged or missing siding or skirting
- Broken, cracked, or missing sealant around vents and utility openings
Repairing any damage will keep critters out and help maintain the structural integrity of your mobile home.
Keep Your Mobile Home Windows and Doors Sealed
Mobile Home windows and doors are common entry points for pests. Check for gaps or cracks around the frames and use caulk or sealant to seal them. Make sure they fit correctly in the frame and don’t have large gaps beneath them. If they do not fit in their frame, you may need a replacement, or it could be a sign your mobile home is not level.
If you want to keep your door and windows open, consider fitting them with a storm door or screens to keep out insects.
Install or Fix the Mobile Home’s Skirting
Mobile home skirting is your first line of defense against critters seeking shelter underneath your home. Ensure that your skirting is in good condition and properly installed. Repair any damage or gaps, and make sure the skirting is securely fastened to the home’s frame. You can also add an extra layer of protection by installing mesh screens behind the skirting to deter pests.
Secure Your Trash
Critters are often drawn to the smell of food, making your trash an attractive target. Use tightly sealed trash cans and avoid leaving garbage bags outside your mobile home. If you have outdoor composting bins, seal them properly to prevent critters from accessing food scraps.
Use Repellents
Natural repellents can be a helpful tool in keeping critters at bay. Consider placing mothballs or cotton balls soaked in essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or cedarwood near potential entry points. These scents can deter many pests, including rodents and insects. However, if you want to go the extra mile, you can use pest deterrents such as mothballs or commercial sprays.
Regardless of your method, thoroughly research it for potential threats or side effects, and always use it as directed.
What If You Already Have Critters?
If critters have already taken up residence under your mobile home, you have two options:
DIY Pest Control
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, there are various commercially available insect and animal traps. Try to identify the type of critters you’re dealing with. Different pests may require different methods for removal. For example, you can use live traps or bait for rodents. However, you should always use traps that capture the creature alive or kill it as quickly and humanely as possible. If you catch the critter alive, always handle it carefully and release it far from your property.
Call the Professionals
Sometimes, critter problems can be too complex to handle on your own. If the situation becomes overwhelming or dangerous, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control service to deal with the issue safely. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove pests from your mobile home.
Wrapping Up
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, protecting your mobile home from unwanted critters is crucial. By proactively maintaining your mobile home’s exterior, sealing entry points, and using repellents, you can ensure a critter-free living space and enjoy a cozy, pest-free winter. Prepare your mobile home for winter with confidence, knowing you have the knowledge and tools to keep pests at bay.
And if you ever need quality parts and supplies for your home repairs, know that Mobile Home Parts Store is always here to help.
Tags: critters, mobile home, Mobile Home Parts Store, Mobile Home winterizing, Winterize a mobile home
