As temperatures drop, your home becomes a prime target for cold-weather pests looking for warmth. Common intruders like rodents, spiders, and cockroaches seek shelter inside houses during winter. Effective winter pest control is essential to keep these pests out and protect your property.
In this article, we’ll look at the types of pests that invade homes in colder months and provide practical steps to seal entry points and prevent infestations.
4 Common Winter Pests
Winter brings a range of pests indoors as they search for food and warmth. Here are the most common pests you need to watch out for:
1. Rodents
Mice and rats are notorious winter invaders. These pests can squeeze through tiny gaps and are often drawn to attics, basements, and kitchen areas. Once inside, they can cause significant damage by gnawing on wires and wood. Beyond property damage, they also pose significant health risks to you and your family by spreading diseases and contaminating food sources.
2. Spiders
While some spiders remain outside during the winter, many species, like the common house spider, move indoors. They prefer undisturbed areas like basements, attics, and storage spaces.
3. Cockroaches
These pests thrive in warm, moist environments. During winter, they often enter homes in search of food and water. Cockroaches can contaminate food sources and spread bacteria, making them a health concern.
4. Silverfish
Silverfish are attracted to dark, humid areas and are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They can damage books, clothing, and stored items made from paper or fabric.
How Pests Enter Your Home During Winter
Here are the most common ways pests gain entry:
- Cracks and Gaps: Even the smallest openings around doors, windows, and your foundation can be enough for pests to enter. Rodents, specifically house mice, have a body size between 3 to 4 inches and can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Other insects can slip through tiny cracks.
- Utility Entry Points: Areas where pipes, cables, or vents enter your home are usually poorly sealed. These gaps create an easy access point for pests.
- Damaged Screens and Doors: Torn window screens or doors that don’t close properly allow pests to walk right in.
- Attics and Basements: Unsealed attics and basements provide perfect entryways for pests to enter and make themselves at home in unused spaces.
3 Winter Pest Control Tips to Protect Your Home
Sealing entry points and making your home less attractive to pests are crucial steps in winter pest control. Here are some expert tips to help keep pests out of your home during the colder months:
1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points
Take time to inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, holes, or gaps where pests can enter. Look at windows, doors, the foundation, and any areas where pipes or wires enter the house. Seal these gaps with caulk or weather stripping. Expanding foam can also be useful for filling larger holes.
Make sure that all doors and windows close tightly. If you notice a gap under a door, install door sweeps to block pest entry points. Weather stripping around windows can help prevent both pests and drafts.
2. Maintain Your Yard
Your yard can be a gateway for pests trying to get inside. Trim back bushes and trees that touch your home’s exterior. Overhanging branches can serve as bridges for rodents and other pests to access your roof. Rake up leaves and remove debris piles where pests could nest.
Also, make sure that firewood is stored away from your home. Storing it too close can invite pests like ants, termites, and rodents to your property and, eventually, your house.
3. Keep Your Home Clean and Dry
Pests are attracted to food and water, so keeping a clean and dry home is key to keeping them out. Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills right away, and make sure trash is removed regularly. Pay close attention to areas like the kitchen, basement, and attic where pests are most likely to find hiding spots.
Fix any leaks around pipes, especially in hidden areas like under sinks or behind appliances. Pests like cockroaches and silverfish are drawn to moisture, so reducing humidity levels can help make your home less appealing to them.
Prepare Your Home for Winter With Aptive
As the colder months approach, it’s essential to protect your home from winter pests, looking for warmth and shelter. If you’ve tried any of the tips and still find unwelcome guests, it may be time to consider a professional pest control service. At Aptive, we can help with providing winter pest control solutions that fit your home’s needs.
With our expert pest control services, you can trust that we’ll thoroughly assess your home, address potential problem areas, and use responsible treatments to keep pests at bay. Contact us now so that your home stays comfortable throughout the winter season.
