Winter's definitely begun settling in, and unfortunately, with it come winter pests.  Residents of the Las Vegas Valley have recently begun reporting large rats and other rodents and unwelcome guests roaming around their yards and hanging out in their bushes.  

Winter pests can certainly be a problem, but you don't have to lie down and take it without putting up a fight!  Here are a few key tips to keep your home as pest-free as possible:

• Trim Your Trees.

You'll want to keep your trees trimmed above the ground and a healthy distance from your house.  You might be surprised, but even the fattest of rats can be pretty limber.  They can typically jump several feet, and they climb well, which means they can easily use trees to travel from the ground to your roof if the branches lead the way.  Once they've made contact with your home, they're likely to find vents, holes, and other access points through which to enter.

• Put a Lid on the Pet Food.

Pet food can be an incredibly appetizing entree for unwanted house guests.  One of the easiest prevention techniques you can employ involves putting pet food in plastic storage containers.  Make sure it has a secure lid so critters can't help themselves when you are not around.  The lid will help deter the otherwise identifiable and inviting odor, too.

• Don't Leave People Food Laying Around.

With the hustle and bustle of holidays and winter blues that can settle in, it can get easy to become a little complacent when it comes to keeping the house clean.  Above all else, make sure you don't leave food lying around the house.  Animals can identify the smells of left out food from farther away than you might think, and they won't hesitate to find a way into your home if they think they're getting fed.

• Seal Your Windows and Doors.

Weather stripping does double duty when winter pests begin to appear.  You really want to check your window seals and the weather stripping on your doors when the temperatures threaten to become chilly anyway, as this can boost your energy efficiency.  Tight seals also serve as a barrier between your warm home and the pests who want to escape the cold outside.

Have you noticed winter pests prowling around your property?  Share your story below, and help your neighbors know what to be on the lookout for!