Indoor Pest Control Tips For Winter

From our yards and gardens to our indoor living spaces, the presence of insects pests, and rodents is an issue with many homeowners. There seems to be no end to their invasion or surprise as they show up at our doorsteps. These pests will not only seek shelter in leaf litter, overgrown bushes, plants, and garden debris but will enter our homes seeking shelter from the harsh winter frost. Although winter may be a few months away the steps we take now can be a bonus that assures us that our homes are pest-free during that time of the year when nature takes a break in preparation for the return of spring.

How to Get Rid of Bugs Indoors

The first step of getting rid of bugs indoors is that we have to first get rid of them outdoors, by doing this we lessen the chance of them invading our indoor space, we will be taking a closer look at some of these methods that are effective and have brought much success.

1. Cleanup Outdoor Debris

A yard that is poorly maintained with overgrown vegetation and debris will attract pests when pests show up at our doorstep there are four things they seek, food and a water source, shelter or a haven to be protected from the elements, and a place to raise their young.  Ensure that your landscape and garden area is always properly manicured and that your outside garbage storage is always cleaned with trash properly concealed with tight-fitted lids.

2.  Trim Back Plants and Bushes

Insects will use the branches of overgrown trees and bushes that make contact with your home’s foundation as a bridge to get onto your building, once on your building they will seek an entry point so ensure that tree branches, bushes, and shrubs are not making contact with your building structure.

Also, don’t grow bushes and plants that can become dense at the entry points of your homes because rodents including rats, mice, and insects can hide in these heavily dense plants seeking opportunities when you open the door to quickly slip in unnoticed. So make sure plant material of this sort is installed far from your home.

3. Seal All Entry Points

Inspect around your windows, doors, your home’s foundation, and areas where electrical and water pipes enter your home, if there are any openings or cracks seal them with caulk, foam, or sealants.

4. Eliminate Moisture

Because pests are attracted to a water source it is important to eliminate all moisture from around your home and fix leaky pipes both out and indoors, broken irrigation lines should also be repaired. Pay special attention to kitchen and bathroom pipes that can attract roaches easily if there is a moisture build-up. Remove all open containers from outdoors that collect water and either get rid of them or store them in an area where rainfall can’t get to them like a garage or shed. If you don’t have a storage area and want to keep the containers then turn containers upside down. Open containers that collect rainwater will also attract mosquitoes where they will lay their eggs.

5. Store Firewood Away from Your Home

Insects will hide under firewood waiting for the right opportunity to get indoors, firewood should be stored at least 20 ft from your home, these wood should also be stored off the ground on racks.  Also when bringing firewood indoors inspect first for insects.

6. Keep Crawl Spaces Dry

Areas like crawl spaces, attics, and basements should be well-ventilated to reduce moisture.

7. Vacuum Around Windows and Doors

Frequently vacuuming around your windows and doors can remove silverfish, beetles, spiders, and earwigs.

8. Store Food Properly

Foods that are exposed will attract pests, ensure that all open foods that are not used are properly sealed and placed in sealed containers. Securing foods that insects can get to will discourage their presence.

9. Keep Your Home Free of Food Particles

Kitchen areas where foods are prepared and other areas of the home where foods are consumed should be properly cleaned of food particles, Remember one of the reasons that pests show up is seeking out food sources so ensure that all food particles are removed. The stove and kitchen countertop should be cleaned from cooking oils and grease.

1o. Properly Store Your Garbage

Your garbage storage area indoors should be cleaned which means no food particles on the floor around the container, no food should be hanging out of the container but keep in the container which should also have a tightly fitted lid to keep your garbage sealed in to discourage the presence of pests.

11. Change Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lighting is important for security purposes but these lights can also attract insects that spiders prey on, why not change those lights,  incandescent light bulbs, and fluorescent bulbs attract insects however LED lights, especially the ones with a warm color temperature are known to attract fewer bugs.

12. Call in the Professional

If you have a pest infestation on your hand and the work to bring control may be extensive then consider hiring a professional pest control company.

Additional Information for a Pest-Free Winter

• Inspect as needed and replace worn weather stripping around windows.
• Replace loose mortar around the foundation of your basement.
• Keeping your home free of clutter is another benefit because pest loves clutter and will seek out these conditions to hide and overwinter.
• Regularly dust and vacuum to remove spiders and their webs.

Conclusion

Preparing for the winter months calls for a detailed inspection to ensure that pests don’t have a chance because they can multiply rather quickly and you can end up with an infestation on your hands. These steps that were provided will offer much help as you do your path in seeking to bring pest issues under control. The investment is worth the effort and will pay off in huge ways as you bring complete control to these uninvited guests!