How to Keep Winter Pests Out of Your Home

As temperatures drop over the couple of months, bugs look for warmth, moisture, and food, which makes your home an ideal refuge. Small openings, crumbs, and clutter can provide the perfect conditions for pests to settle in. Preventing their entry early is the key to keeping your home bug-free all season long.

Maintain a Clean Home to Deter Bugs

A clean home is less attractive to pests, as it eliminates their primary sources of food and water.

• Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum at least once a week, paying attention to corners, under furniture, and along baseboards where crumbs and debris accumulate.

• Clean Your Kitchen Thoroughly: Wipe countertops, sweep floors, and empty trash bins daily. Use bins with tight-fitting lids to contain food waste.

• Declutter Your Home: Reduce clutter, such as piles of newspapers or boxes, which can serve as nesting spots for pests.

• Clean Pet Areas: Wash pet dishes and clean feeding areas to remove food debris that can attract bugs.

• Store Food Securely: Keep food in airtight containers made of glass, metal, or heavy-duty plastic. This deters bugs and rodents alike.

• Fix Leaks: Address any leaky faucets or pipes to eliminate water sources. Avoid leaving standing water in sinks or buckets.

Seal Entry Points to Stop Bugs at the Source

Bugs often sneak in through tiny cracks and openings. By sealing entry points, you create a strong first line of defense.

• Inspect Your Home: Walk around your home, both inside and out, to identify cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay attention to windows, doors, utility openings, and the foundation.

• Install Door Sweeps: Attach door sweeps to close gaps between exterior doors and the floor.

• Use Caulk and Weatherstripping: Apply weather-resistant caulk to seal small gaps around doors, windows, and frames. Add weatherstripping for added protection and energy efficiency.

• Block Utility Openings: Seal gaps around pipes and cables using expanding foam or steel wool, which pests can’t chew through.

• Repair Your Screens: Ensure all window and door screens are intact. Replace or patch any with holes to prevent bugs from entering.

Use Natural Bug Repellents for a Chemical-Free Solution

Natural repellents offer safe, eco-friendly ways to keep bugs out of your home.

• Vinegar Solutions: Mix equal parts water and vinegar to clean surfaces and deter pests. Use it around windows, doorframes, and counters.

• Essential Oils: Peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils are excellent natural bug deterrents. Mix with water and spray near entry points or other problem areas.

• Plants and Herbs: Grow pest-repellent plants like mint, rosemary, and basil near windows and doors. These plants emit scents bugs dislike.

Schedule Regular Pest Control Inspections

Professional pest inspections are vital for identifying potential problems before they escalate.

• Detect Issues Early: Professionals can spot signs of pests that are easy to miss, saving you time and money.

• Prevent Damage: Early intervention stops pests from causing damage to your property and belongings.

• Safe Treatments: Professionals use safe, family- and pet-friendly methods to manage pests.

• Customized Solutions: Pest control experts tailor treatments to your home and specific pest issues, ensuring more effective results.

• Year-Round Protection: Routine inspections provide ongoing peace of mind, knowing your home is consistently monitored for pest activity.

Learn more about our pest control services.