Winter is the season when many pest problems start. As the temperature drops, many pests will try to find a way into your home to escape the cold weather. During the cold months of January up until February, stink bugs and ladybugs often enter homes through cracks and crevices. Once inside, they become quite a nuisance because they often congregate in large groups. If you have a problem with stink bugs or ladybugs in your home, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of them.
One of the best things you can do is ensure that your home is well-sealed. Inspect the outside of your home and caulk any cracks or crevices that you may find. This will help to prevent any more pests from getting inside. You should also check your windows and doors to ensure that they fit snugly and that there are no gaps around them.
Unfortunately, when speaking of sealing a home, crawl spaces are most of the times forgotten. Typically, replacing the screens doesn’t go very well, but there are replacement vents screened both in the front and on the back, and these are also internally sealable for those of you who have crawl spaces that are sealed and dehumidified.
If you have a builder-grade vent that doesn’t have a lip or a ledge, the bugs can crawl right through the screen and get into your home, so make sure you have a properly installed, high-quality replacement vent.
These things will surely help you avoid any winter pest problems in your home. But if you already have an infestation, the best thing is to call a professional exterminator to get rid of them. Do not try to handle the problem alone, as this might only worsen it. Instead, let the professionals at Freedom Pest Services take care of it so you can rest assured that your home is pest-free throughout the winter.
Foundation Vents
Your foundation vents are one of the most vulnerable entry points for pests during the winter. Unfortunately, many homes have them, which are required by building codes in some areas but can provide easy access for all sorts of problems if they’re not properly maintained.
First, it’s essential to make sure that your vents are properly screened. Replacement screens are available that will fit most standard foundation vents, and these should be installed to help prevent pests from getting inside.
Next, you need to be sure that the lip or ledge around the edge of the vent opening is in good condition. This helps keep the screen in place, and if it’s damaged, it allows pests to bypass the screen and get into your home quickly.
Foundation Crawl Doors
Another common entry point for pests during the winter is through foundation crawl doors. These are often located in the basement or crawl space, providing access to these areas for utility workers, inspectors, and other professionals.
Like foundation vents, it’s essential to ensure that these doors are appropriately screened. Replacement screens are available that will fit most standard foundation crawl doors, and these should be installed to help prevent pests from getting inside.
It’s also a good idea to install a seal around the door’s perimeter. This will help to further prevent pests from getting inside, and it will also help to keep out drafts of cold air.
Gable Vents
Gable vents are another common entry point for pests during the winter. They’re located at the top of the gable end of your home, and they provide ventilation for your attic.
Just like with foundation vents, it’s important to make sure that these vents are properly screened. There are replacement screens available that will fit most standard gable vents, and these should be installed to help prevent pests from getting inside.
It’s also a good idea to install a seal around the perimeter of the vent opening. This will help to further prevent pests from getting inside, and it will also help to keep out drafts of cold air.
Conducive conditions that will breed pests over winter
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when it comes to pests and the winter season. One is they are looking for a warm place, just like us. So, if your home is not adequately sealed and insulated, it is an inviting place for them to set up camp. Another thing to think about is that food sources are more scarce in the winter, so any food left out or not properly stored away will attract pests.
Lastly, standing water is a breeding ground for many types of pests, so any leaks or condensation around your home should be fixed as soon as possible. Considering these things will help you prevent any winter pest problems in your home.
Adding any new Pine Shawl or Mulch
If you’re adding new pine shawls or mulch to your garden, check them for signs of pests before bringing them inside. These items can often be infested with different pests, including insects, rodents, and even reptiles.
Checking these items thoroughly before bringing them into your home is the best way to prevent an infestation. If you do find any signs of pests, it’s best to discard the item and get a new one.
Trash Cans
Trash cans are another common breeding ground for pests, especially in the winter when food is more scarce. Be sure to keep your trash cans clean and seal any food waste tightly before putting it in the bin.
Investing in some lids that fit snugly on the top of the can is also a good idea. This will help to keep out any pests that might be looking for an easy meal.
Compost Bins
Compost bins are another common source of food for pests in the winter. Be sure to keep your compost bin clean and seal any food waste tightly before adding it to the bin.
Investing in a tight-fitting lid for your compost bin is also a good idea. This will help to keep out any pests that might be looking for an easy meal.
Granular Pesticide
We use granular pesticides in cases where pests are coming in from outside. This type of pesticide is typically spread around the home’s perimeter and works to keep pests out.
Granular pesticides can be effective at preventing pests, but they need to be reapplied on a regular basis to maintain their effectiveness. They should also be used with other pest control measures, such as sealing up entry points and eliminating food sources.
Leaves or Tree Limbs Touching Your House
If any leaves or tree limbs are touching your house, it’s best to trim them back. This is because these items provide a bridge for pests to get inside.
Trimming back any branches or leaves touching your home is a simple way to help prevent an infestation. It’s also a good idea to keep your gutters clean and debris-free to help prevent pests from getting inside.
Call our services!
Here at Freedom Pest Services, we offer various pest control services to fit your needs. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee so that you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services or if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call. We would be more than happy to help you with any of your pest control needs.