When winter arrives, many pests are eager to escape the dropping temperatures. Your home can provide these bugs with the perfect hiding spot. Taking the time to pest-proof your indoor and outdoor spaces can help to prevent pest problems. Check out a few tips to help keep pests out of your home this winter.
Don’t Let Bugs Inside
It’s important to take steps to keep pests out of your home. You’ll want to check your house for areas where bugs could slip inside and seal them.
- Seal cracks in your foundation, window and door frames, and chimney using a silicone-based caulk.
- Repair or replace damaged weather stripping and door sweeps.
- Patch any holes or replace screens on your doors, windows, and vents.
- Repair loose mortar or damaged siding.
- Seal holes or gaps near pipes and utility lines.
Remove Attractants in Your Yard
Pest-proofing your outdoor space can help to prevent bugs from infesting your home. Reduce potential attractants and hiding spots to keep winter pests away.
- Remove yard debris, like leaves and sticks, that can act as shelter for pests.
- Keep any vegetation trimmed, ensuring plants aren’t touching the side of your home.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly.
- Minimize moisture build-up by repairing leaky spigots and removing standing water.
Properly Store Your Woodpiles
Sitting by the fireplace can be great in winter, but firewood can cause bugs to hang out in your space. Properly storing firewood can minimize the chance of bugs sneaking into your home.
- Store woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your house and several inches off the ground.
- If possible, cover the wood.
- Before bringing any pieces of wood into your home, check them for bugs.
- It’s best to only bring in the wood that you are planning to use.
- Avoid storing firewood in your home.
Reduce Clutter in Your House
Pests, like cockroaches and spiders, are attracted to dark, sheltered spaces. Clutter can provide them with these hiding spots.
- Keep your space organized and remove clutter.
- Don’t forget to clean up your closets, cabinets, attics, and basements.
- Avoid leaving your things, like clothes, on the floor.
- Store your items in bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes. If using boxes, store them off the ground.
- Outdoor structures, like sheds and detached garages, can also be a source of shelter. Keep these areas clean and organized too.
Remove Sources of Food & Moisture
Bugs won’t hang out in your home if they can’t find something to eat. Remove food sources and water to help deter winter pests.
- Wipe down counters and cabinets in your kitchen and pantry.
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly to help remove crumbs, spills, and sticky residues.
- Store your food in containers to avoid attracting pests including pantry pests.
- Regularly take out the trash and keep your trash area as clean as possible.
- Repair any leaky pipes or dripping faucets, and wipe up water near sinks, tubs, and showers.
Use Pest Control Products
Pest control products can help to prevent and control winter pests. Sprays, baits, dusts, and traps can be used, depending on the pests you are dealing with.
- Use an Insecticide Spray: Plant-based insecticide sprays kill pests and also provide residual repellency protection. You can spray the perimeter of your yard and home with our Yard Bug Spray to create a repellent barrier. You can also spray common entry points with our Home Bug Spray to help keep pests out.
- Use a Bait: Baits are ideal when dealing with insect colonies such as ants or cockroaches. Baits target the source of the infestation, helping to completely eliminate infestations. Our Roach Killer Gel Bait and Ant Killer Bait are designed to allow cockroaches and ants to eat the bait and return to their nests where the bait is passed to the rest of the colony.
- Use a Dust: Insecticide dusts are also effective against pests, providing long-lasting protection. Our Spider & Insect Dust and Bed Bug Killer dust can be applied to cracks and crevices where pests like to hide.
- Use a Spider & Insect Trap: Our Spider & Insect Trap captures spiders and crawling insects like cockroaches, silverfish, and crickets. You can place it on level surfaces near where insects are active. The trap can help to control an active pest problem as well as help to catch any bugs before they can settle down in your home.
Bugs may want to spend the winter months in your house, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them move in. Doing a little pest-proofing can help to ensure your home doesn’t become a vacation spot for bugs. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.