How to Tackle Outdoor Winter Pests: 7 Tips for a Pest-Free Home

• Seal entry points and clean clutter to prevent winter pests like rodents and insects from invading your home.
• Inspect outdoor vegetation, especially evergreens, for insects that may seek shelter during colder months.
• Use natural repellents, traps, and door sweeps to block pests and keep your home pest-free.
• Taking proactive pest control measures during winter helps protect your home from damage and health risks.

As the colder months approach, many of us retreat indoors, seeking warmth and comfort. Unfortunately, we're not the only ones with this idea. Winter pests are on the move, looking for shelter and food to survive the changing weather conditions. From rodents to overwintering insects, these pests can turn your cozy home into their winter retreat. Understanding the behavior of these pests and learning how to have a pest-free home is crucial for maintaining a comfortable winter season.  

Common Outdoor Winter Pests  

Here are some of the typical outdoor pests you should watch out for as the weather gets colder:  

Rodents

Mice and rats are among the most notorious wintertime invaders. As temperatures drop, they seek out warm places to nest and often find their way into homes, garages, and sheds. These rodents can squeeze through tiny cracks and holes in walls, foundations, and even rooflines, making it easy for them to invade your space. Once inside, they can cause extensive damage by gnawing through wires, insulation, and even wood, creating serious risks such as electrical fires. 

Spiders

While spiders are generally more active during warmer months, certain species may still seek refuge in your home during winter. Spiders tend to hide in undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, and storage spaces. Though they primarily feed on other insects, having them around is not ideal, especially if they are venomous.  

Insects on Evergreens  

Evergreens, commonly used in winter decorations and landscaping, can harbor a variety of insects, including aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can damage the trees and may enter your home when you bring in branches or trees for decoration. 

Understanding Their Behavior  

Winter pests like rodents and insects are driven by survival instincts. As food sources dwindle and temperatures drop, they become more desperate to find suitable shelter and sustenance. Rodents, for example, have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to detect food sources from a considerable distance. They're also excellent climbers and can easily access attics or upper levels of your home. 

Insects, on the other hand, may enter a dormant state known as diapause during winter, which allows them to survive cold temperatures. However, they can become active again if they find themselves in a warm environment — like the inside of your home.   

The first line of defense against these invaders is to thoroughly inspect your home for potential entry points. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and holes in the roofline. Use weather stripping, caulk, or steel wool to seal these openings. Don't forget to check areas around utility pipes, as these are common entryways for rodents.

Seasonal pests are often attracted to clutter, where they can find hiding spots. Keep your home tidy, especially in storage areas like basements, attics, and garages. Regularly vacuum and dust to remove spider webs and food crumbs that might attract rodents. Store food in airtight containers and quickly clean up spills.

Trim tree branches and shrubs away from your home's exterior to prevent rodents and insects from using them as bridges to get inside. If you have evergreens, inspect them regularly for signs of insect infestations. Consider treating your outdoor plants to keep pests at bay.

Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from your house and elevate it off the ground to prevent rodents and insects from nesting in it and eventually making their way inside. This helps minimize the chances of pests using the woodpile as a staging ground to eventually enter your home.

Adding door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors can help block pests from entering through small gaps that often go unnoticed. This straightforward step can make a big difference in keeping cold-season pests out.

Consider placing natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or cedar, in areas where these winter pests might enter. These natural deterrents can effectively repel rodents and insects without the need for more aggressive products, making them an ideal option for your home.

Set up traps and baits around your home's exterior and in areas where you've noticed rodent activity. This can help reduce the population of pests before they have a chance to move indoors.

Do I need pest control in the winter? Yes, winter is just important a time to focus on pest prevention as any other season. Winter pests in your home during the winter are more than just a nuisance; they can result in serious damage to your home and even pose health risks. Understanding their behavior and implementing these home pest control tips will help you maintain a pest-free home. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping these unwelcome guests out of your home where they belong.  

If you are struggling with winter pests, reach out to get professional advice from your local Spring Green professional today!