People seek heat once the temperatures drop, preferring to stay huddled up indoors. Unfortunately, pests do, too. Here’s how to prevent pests from overwintering in your house this winter.

What Is Overwintering?

Overwintering refers to the insects and pests that find their way into your home during the cold winter months. While they hide, insects go into hibernation mode as their growth process stalls to conserve energy. While these pests prefer the shelter from within your walls, they become active again when the weather warms up. This means that they often make their way into your home’s living area in spring, which is not ideal for you or for them.

Signs of Overwintering Pests

Rodents, stink bugs, lady bugs, spiders, and other creatures arrive at your door and easily gain access if you’re not prepared. Some of these pests are harmless, just merely annoying, while others can carry disease or destroy property. Watch for chewed wires and furniture, rodent droppings, holes in screens, and spiderwebs.

How to Prevent Overwintering Pests

Find points of entry. Your first order of business to prevent pests from gaining entry into your home is to locate the following:

  • Tears in screens
  • Cracks in foundation
  • Holes around pipes
  • Gaps in siding

Seal and repair points of entry. Fix every tear, crack, hole, gap, and crevice you find to prevent pest infestations. Here are some materials you might need:

  • Silicone-latex caulk for door and window frames
  • Steel wool for cracks and holes in foundation
  • Door sweeps for gaps under doors
  • Fine wire mesh for vents
  • Caps for chimneys

Keep a neat exterior. The outside of your home should be well-maintained and clutter-free.

  • Stack firewood at least six feet away from your home, and only bring in what you need when you need it.
  • Limit piles of lawn debris, like leaf piles and overgrown vegetation.
  • Cut back shrubs and trees that touch the home’s exterior.

Keep it neat inside. Eliminate access to food and places for pests to hide.

  • Store food in tightly secured containers.
  • Never leave food out for extended periods of time.
  • Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
  • Remedy leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and moisture problems.
  • Declutter your home by getting rid of piles of papers, old boxes, etc.
  • Remove trash often and keep trash cans tightly secured with lids.
  • Vacuum areas with crumbs more often, like under the kitchen table or near the sofa if you nibble while watching TV.

If prevention isn’t as effective as you had hoped, seek the help of professionals. Contact Free Spray Lawn Care at 419-529-5296 and we’ll help you stay pest-free all year long.