As the colder season draws near, there will be an increased desire for pests to seek a warm place to survive through the winter. Thankfully, controlling pests during winter doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, and time-consuming.

As much as we love winter, rodent infestation and insects can be a problem during these months. Sadly, many of the pests we fought off during the warmer months see our homes as perfect places to settle down for the winter.

Below are some preventive tips for tackling pests during winter.

1. Secure food in an airtight container

One of the most common reasons pests come during winter is the search for food. Avoid dropping crumbs or sugary residues on the base of your pantry and cabinets. Always check and wash the food bought from the store as some pests come from the store, concealed in the packaging.

2. Seal up entryway

Sealing up pest entryways is an important tip when winterizing your home. These entryways may include:

• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Cracks in your foundation
• Broken screens
• Cracks in window frames and door
• Wall passages around heating vents and laundry

Pests can easily pass through if the cracks are not properly sealed up.

3. Treat the source

If you eventually end up with a winter infestation on your hands, avoid spraying the pests directly with insecticide. Instead, treat the colony with baits. Baits make it easier for pests to take the poison to their nests. This will help stop the infestation at the source before the pests know you’re trying to get rid of them. Pests can be extremely adaptive and resilient to pest control products, so you may need the help of az pest control services, or similar services near your own location, to ensure the pests are fully eliminated.

4. Schedule a pest control visit

It can be difficult to get rid of the problem yourself, even in the winter. Consider finding a professional pest control company near you, as we don’t always find the source of the colony as quickly as professionals, thus allowing the infestation to grow rapidly. Terminix pest control is ready 24/7 to identify and control pest infestation, which is usually a problem during winter.

5. Clean beyond the clutter

Regularly clean the back of your closets, under the sink, and behind piles of clutter that are often unmoved, as pests like cockroaches and spiders prefer hiding out where they can’t be found easily.

6. Store firewood away from your home

Firewood is a surefire invitation for termites and other pests to enter your home. It’s very important to keep the woodpile at least 20 feet away from your house so that the pile doesn’t bridge the gap between the pests and your home. Ensure you check your firewood properly before taking them inside.

It’s best to take in a little firewood into your home at a time. Bringing a large pile of firewood is like giving pests a ride.

7. Learn the signs of winter pests

In the colder months, look out for nests or web, sound in your attic, bite marks in wires, and droppings, as these are signs of an infestation. Knowing the signs is a great step to eliminating pests. When properly identified and prevented, you can cut down on pesticides and keep an infestation at bay.

8. Maintaining your home

Pests and critters come in all shapes and sizes, if your pests are larger like a raccoon you may need to consider calling out a specialist. Critter Stop has found that raccoons look for a safe and warm place to live and raise their babies. Raccoons are known for their adaptability, intelligence, and dexterity, making them difficult to remove once they find their way into an attic or garage. Paying attention to the maintenance of your home is important to avoid them moving in. Moreover, Crawl Space Remediation can further protect your investment by providing you with a method that keeps the rodents and critters out; professionals remove moisture and seal any entry points, creating an environment that is less attractive to pests.

9. Keep the house clean

The first thing to do when trying to prevent pests from your home is to remove all the old deteriorating cardboard storage boxes that can invite pests. Next, keep your house clean by mopping, vacuuming, and cleaning every inch of your house thoroughly, as pests always like to stay hidden. After a thorough cleaning, make sure you dispose of your bins properly.

10. Remove all accessible food

Pests invade houses in search of food during winter, so ensure you store dry food, such as bread, cookies, nuts, and beans, in sealed containers to keep pests away from your home. Any sweet liquids or open food can bring pests in from the outdoors.

11. Pay attention to moisture levels to avoid pests

Pests need water just like we do, which is why so many pests are drawn to wet areas. Consider adding a dehumidifier to these areas if you are witnessing some signs of winter pests. If there’s a leak of some kind that’s resulting in standing water or moisture, deal with the source of the problem before an infestation manifests.

Final thoughts

The tips above can go a long way toward helping you prevent pests during winter. Knowing a pest’s life cycle can also allow you to control and destroy it at the most vulnerable point in the cycle before they cause more problems.

If you identify a pest infestation, the next step is to determine the extent of the damage. Unfortunately, preventing pests from our home comes with anxiety and stress. So if the problem is too big for you to handle, don’t forget to call a professional near you so you can sit back and enjoy the season with your family.