As you already know, the summer can be pretty bad for pests. It’s not too uncommon for ants to get into the house, termites might find their way in, and mice seem to be abundant in people's gardens in the summer months, too. Plus, there are always other issues, such as wasps getting in, potential nests, and the list can go on and on.

Now, during the winter months, you usually don’t see too many pests outside, right? After all, most of them tend to hibernate in the colder months. Well, as scary as it sounds, there might be a chance that pests are currently hiding in your home right now and you might not even know about it!

Of course, there’s no guarantee that there actually is anything hiding at this moment in your home, but there might be a chance. You see, pests, such as mice, will try to find somewhere warm to stay during the winter. Your home is the perfect target for this. It’s warm, it’s comfortable, there’s food and unlimited nesting material. While yes, you’ll absolutely need the best rated pest control company around to help you get these pests out, it’s still important to take some preparation and preventative measures so this hopefully doesn’t need to happen to you. So, here’s what you need to do to safeguard your home this winter!

You Need to Seal All Entry Points

The first line of defense against pests is to seal potential entry points. You’re going to have to check for gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and the foundation of your home. Ideally, you’re also going to want to use weatherstripping, caulking, or other sealants to close these openings and prevent pests from sneaking inside. Usually, it’s little cracks and gaps that get pests inside your home, but look at your vent, too, because there might be a chance of pests in there, too.

Repair Any Screens

Usually, this is something that gets done in the spring or summer, but it’s best to check again in the winter months, too. Screens on doors and windows are a crucial barrier against flying insects. So you’ll need to inspect them for tears or holes and repair or replace damaged screens promptly. This is a pretty simple step, and it can prevent pests like flies and mosquitoes from infiltrating your home.

Keep a Tidy Landscape

Even if you’re not planning on going out much in the winter months, even your own yard, you still need to landscape. Sure, curb appeal is pretty important, but this isn’t the only reason, either. You’ll need to trim trees, bushes, and vegetation around your home, as pests often use overhanging branches as bridges to access roofs and entry points.

A lot of mice will actually use branches to their advantage to get inside your home. Plus, during this time of year, you’ll need to keep firewood, compost bins, and other potential pest shelters away from the perimeter of your home.

Keep Your Home Spotless

Chances are pretty high that you’re more than aware of why you need to keep a clean home, but it’s still helpful to elaborate on this, even during the chilly winter months. So, you need to keep in mind that filth is a breeding ground for pests. Both bugs and rodents thrive on trash, and bugs love moisture odor-filled spots too. This is why you absolutely need to keep your home cleaned up at all times.

A clean home is less far appealing to pests. So make sure you’re Regularly vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping the floors to eliminate any potential crumbs and food debris. Pay special attention to the kitchen, where pests are attracted to food sources. Plus, you’ll need to keep food stored in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills.

Learn How to Properly Store Firewood

It was briefly mentioned earlier that you need to store firewood away from your house, and there’s a pretty good reason why that is. Pests, particularly termites, are attracted to damp or rotting wood. If it gets into your house, you might be accidentally letting terminates in. Plus, elevating your firewood reduces the risk of pests finding their way into your home. So, make sure you know how to store your firewood properly!

Clean Your Gutters in Autumn

One thing you need to keep in mind is that you’re supposed to clean out your gutters a few times a year, and Autumn is a big season for this especially. It’s so important to do this because clogged gutters can lead to water accumulation. This doesn’t only cause damage to your house; that’s just the tip of the iceberg; this is actually going to create an ideal environment for pests. So, you’ll need to regularly inspect and clean your gutters to prevent moisture buildup, which can attract pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and termites.