Why Pest Control is Still Important During the Winter

It's a common misconception that when cold weather moves in, pests are moving out. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that in the colder months, pests are looking for a warm place to stay... and might actually try to move into your home or property.

​Pests that come out during the fall season in North Carolina, like spiders and ants, aren't affected by cold temperatures. In addition, several pests have various ways to deal with cold weather and the elements, so snow and freezing rain doesn't necessarily affect them. 

There are several reasons to keep up with your routine pest control during the winter, including:
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1. Cold weather doesn't affect pests already living in your walls.
2. Keeping up with routine inspections during the winter means no surprises in the spring. 
3. Termites can enter your home in the fall or winter and silently eat away at your home. 
4. Attics, basements, and crawlspaces provide shelter to insects as they escape the cold. 
5. Having spider webs, egg cases, and nests found and removed will prevent them from reemerging when the weather warms.​

In addition to continuing your quarterly pest control during the winter months, there are many other ways to keep your home pest-free this winter. Here are some of our top tips for pest prevention during the colder months:

1. Hire Pestech of Greenville

We are fully licensed and equipped to offer you a complete range of indoor and outdoor pest management and extermination services at any time of the year. We will assess your home, identify possible pest entry points, and take care of any potential problems. We provide monthly, quarterly, and one-time pest control services to keep pests out of your home or business. 

2. Seal Entry Points

Bugs won't take up residence in your home if they can't get in. Make sure all doors to your home or commercial property are sealed tightly when closed. You can add weather stripping if needed or use door-seal kits to the edges of the frames to keep bugs from getting in through the sides and tops of doors. Use caulk to seal door joints where frames meet the wall. 

3. Add Screens

If you have doors to a porch or deck, consider installing a screen door. Screens on both doors and windows create an extra barrier to keep bugs out during the winter. Look for a screen that is 20-mesh or finer with small holes that insects can’t get through.

4. Maintain Your Yard

Yard maintenance has a significant impact on bug infestations, but it may not be at the top of your list during the winter. Remove any piles of leaves before snow or freezing rain gets the chance to coat them. We also recommend that you’re on the lookout for ice dams. They can form on roofs and prevent even the thinnest layer of snow from melting. The moisture backup from these dams attracts many pests like carpenter ants. Make sure gutters drain properly and direct the moisture away from your home. Keep firewood and other wood debris from being stacked directly against your home.

5. Store Trash Properly

Trash is the perfect place for bugs to reside. Be sure to keep all trash in closed bins and empty them regularly. Keep food waste in a kitchen trash can and not in cans throughout the house. All bins outside your home should also have secure lids with tight seals to keep bugs out. Keep them away from the house if possible. 

6. Keep Your Home Decluttered

Pests are often found hiding out in stacks of cardboard, newspapers, or books that are stored away. We’ve even found some pests that hide behind pictures on walls. It's important to clear out any excess of these items from your home and keep your house free of clutter. This makes it harder for pests to find a warm place to hide out during the day. 

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To keep pests out of your home and business all year long, give us a call at 252-353-4760 or email PestechOfGreenville@hotmail.com for a free estimate. Your East Coast pest management professionals are honored to serve you.