Closing a Cottage for the Season: Pest Prevention Checklist

A cottage can sit quiet for weeks or months. Small openings, stored food and moisture can make it attractive to rodents and wildlife while nobody is there. A closing checklist helps you find obvious problems before you lock the door.

Clear food and waste

Remove perishable food, empty bins and clean crumbs from drawers, cupboards and behind appliances. Store any food that stays in durable sealed containers. Check pet food, birdseed and bait left in sheds too.

Inspect the outside

Walk around the building and note gaps around pipes, vents, soffits, foundations and door bottoms. Check for torn screens or damaged roof materials. Do not close an opening if an animal may already be inside; an inspection should come first. Keep branches and stored items away from the structure where practical.

Look for moisture and activity

Check visible leaks and damp areas. Note droppings, gnaw marks, webs or noises so the right issue can be assessed before the next season. If you are unsure about wildlife in an attic or under a deck, avoid approaching it yourself.

Plan a return visit

On reopening, inspect before unpacking. Look in cupboards, utility spaces and outbuildings. If you find rodent activity, see our mice removal and rat removal pages. For wildlife, read about raccoon removal.

Discount Pest Control serves cottages around Georgina, Keswick and Jackson’s Point. Call (289) 803-1833 to talk through a seasonal pest concern.