10 Tips for a Pest-Free Home in the Winter

Tips for a Pest-Free Home in the Winter

As much as we love many of the things that come with the spring, summer, and fall seasons, rodent and insect infestations can be a regular battle during these times. When colder weather sets in during fall and solidifies for the next few months in winter, many common pests see houses as the perfect place to cozy up and last until the weather warms again. These pests see your indoor spaces as places to survive, but their prolonged presence can cause a number of serious property and health issues. In this article, we’ll discuss what pest-proofing is, some of the most common winter pests to look out for, and 10 tips for a pest-free home in the winter.

 

What Is Pest Proofing?

Nobody wants to share their house with rodents and other pests, especially as they have the potential to negatively affect their surroundings. The best way to effectively ensure your house remains free of these unwanted guests is to make sure that they can’t get in. Pest-proofing or excluding pests from entering and taking up residence in your home can have various steps depending on your house and its needs. Pest-proofing is a preventative service that keeps rats, mice, bats, and other wildlife away so they can’t negatively affect your property. Effective pest-proofing can include sealing, repairing, and enclosing different areas.

If your home has internal or external damage in its structure, this is one of the most common ways pests are able to enter and negatively affect a property. In addition, any regular doorways and entrances that lack proper seals or don’t fit securely in their spaces can provide a means for pest entry. It’s essential to know if you have entrances or fixtures in need of securing, sealing, or repairing, ideally before fall arrives. You can then prevent a pest problem before it begins. Without sufficient prevention measures, a pest issue can develop and worsen, especially as the fall months build toward a lasting winter that attracts additional pests.

 

Common Winter Pests

Overwintering refers to the process wherein organisms wait out or pass through the winter season with certain behaviors. They seek shelter in sheds, woodpiles, and homes to stay alive during these months. Depending on the type, various pests hibernate in safe, warm locations during cold times, either as adults or in one of their nascent stages. For example, wasps enjoy setting up shop under the eaves of houses or in attics to survive chillier times. Other pests love the damp, cold recesses of your basement and other areas. While winter pests can vary across the country, common types include ladybugs, silverfish, ants, spiders, cockroaches, ticks, mice, beetles, squirrels, fleas, moths, bedbugs, termites, and wasps. 

Winter pests can pose a serious risk to your property and health. They can cause property damage and contaminate food and food preparation areas. They can also carry diseases, posing other risks to your well-being. Knowing signs of winter pests can help you track and monitor their presence and prevent other pests from staying on your property for a prolonged time. During the wintertime, look out for shed skin, insect shells, rodent droppings, bite marks on personal items, nests, webs, insect bites, and sounds in your walls.

 

Tips for Pest Control in the Winter

To pest-proof your home for the colder months, it’s essential to evaluate the spaces and needs of your property. Take note of entrances, storage locations, and weak points in need of repair or updating. Once you evaluate your property, 10 tips for pest control in the winter include identifying common pests for your area in the winter, sealing entry points, trimming nearby shrubs and trees, properly storing firewood, and pest-proofing your Christmas tree. Be sure to keep interiors moisture-free, check and rinse groceries, maintain fireplaces, clean regularly, and keep monitoring for pests.

 

Identify Common Pests

It’s important to know what unique pests are more common in your area in addition to the unwanted animals that are more common during the winter. For the Chicago area, this includes boxelder bugs, mosquitos, stink bugs, and various stinging insects.

 

Seal Entry Points

One of the best ways to prevent an infestation in winter is to seal entry points. Areas under doors and around unsealed windows are some common pest entry locations. Less common entry points are cracks in your vents, chimney, pipes, and foundation.

 

Trim Shrubs and Trees

If you have shrubs or trees on your property, it’s worth it to pay attention to how they might attract pests. Remove or trim any organic materials growing close to your house.

 

Properly Store Firewood

Piles of firewood can act as a home for a range of pests. Try to keep any firewood piles at a distance from your home so any unwanted animals don’t transfer. 

 

Pest-Proof Your Christmas Tree

If you plan on bringing a tree or other live plants into your home during the Christmas season, take care to pest-proof them. Inspect them for evidence of pests and add natural pest control substances as desired.

 

Keep Interiors Moisture-Free

Many pests seek moist areas when evading winter weather. Keep interior spaces free of excessive moisture.

 

Check and Rinse Groceries

When you bring in outside products, maintain high cleanliness to prevent pests. Otherwise, they can hitchhike in your groceries, especially produce.

 

Maintain Fireplaces

If you have any fireplaces, it’s also vital to maintain these to avoid an infestation. Check for cracks and clear them out regularly.

 

Clean Regularly

In addition to routine house cleaning, it’s recommended you perform a monthly house-wide clean. It can help you identify and prevent infestations.

 

Continue Monitoring for Pests

Once you seal, maintain, and clean what can attract pests, continue to monitor. Skeeter Beater can help you in this never-ending battle with regular pest control and prevention actions.

 

Have a Pest-Free Home This Winter

It can be difficult to keep your home pest-free in the winter. For more tips and help pest-proofing your property, contact Skeeter Beater today.