How to Keep Pests Out During Winter
Seal Your Home
As you can probably infer from the discussion of common winter pests above, many of these pests gain entry through small openings and other hard-to-spot entry points. You can protect your property by sealing cracks and holes along the outside of your home, including inside of window wells. Then, turn your attention toward your doors and windows to make sure that no cracks or gaps are allowing pests to come through. (This can also help you keep your home more comfortable when you turn the heater on!
Make sure that your backyard and other areas around your home are free of clutter and other areas that could provide pests with safe harbor. Firewood should always be stored at least 20 feet from your home, and if you have an outdoor storage shed, make sure that you store items off of the floor whenever possible.
Dispose of Trash Properly
Improper trash storage and disposal is almost guaranteed to attract pests to your home. It’s easy to put off taking your trash out when the weather outside is frightful, but regularly changing your trash bags and reducing odors will minimize the risk of unexpected guests making their way inside. You should also make sure that you’ve thoroughly rinsed recyclables before putting them out on the curb, and don’t forget to check to make sure that both your trash can and recycling bin have tight-fitting lids. Take time to clean around your trash storage areas each month to prevent spills and scraps from providing pests with an easy-to-access food source
Be Cautious with Secondhand Goods
Although many retailers now actively take precautions in order to protect customers, used furniture and other secondhand goods are often how pests such as moths, spiders, and bed bugs make their way into homes. If you choose to purchase a piece of secondhand furniture, thoroughly inspect it and vacuum it before bringing it inside your home. We recommend that you never pick anything up off of the curb, but if you do, be sure to vacuum the piece and wash anything that can safely be put into a washing machine before using it. You should also keep in mind that in many cases, paying for professional pest control will often make a piece of secondhand furniture just as costly as something brand new