The winter has set in, and it’s time for most insects to travel or migrate. Many of them make their way to your home. Insects often hunt for food and find a comfortable spot in your home during winters. Insects love a warm, cozy environment just as much as we do. So, they’re likely to seek a spot in your home and head out once spring and summer start.

One of the most popular misconceptions about pests is that they leave us during the colder months. However, stubborn pests such as bed bugs are active around the year. Besides, the winter season comes with its own set of pests and insects which make home pest control a challenge.

What leads to an increase in insects in warm winters?

Many adult insects are unable to survive the frost. But they leave behind eggs that survive and mature fast. While some move to warmer climates, others seek protection from the cold and may find their way to your home.

During fall, you may find an accumulation of various insects on the sunny side of your home. And insects actively look for warmer places in your home. Amongst them are Asian multicolored lady beetles, brown marmorated stink bugs, and boxelder bugs that are well-known for this behavior.

Insects like gathering underneath the vinyl siding where they are protected from the cold. Cracks and crevices in your home are an invitation to insects to crawl in and seek residence. Poorly sealed window frames also allow insects to easily enter your home and so it is necessary to get pest control before or during winters.

Which Insects and Pests to Expect During Warm Winters

Aphids arrive early and are an indication that insects survive a mild fall and winter. Bermuda Mites usually emerge during hot and dry climates.

Bermuda Mites are microscopic and quietly damage the exterior of your home. They have a life cycle of 4-7 days and multiply quickly, destroying a major part of your lawn.

5 Reasons as to why you need pest control for your home before or during winter

1. Carpenter ants and termites can make wooden flooring, firewood, walls or decaying wood their nests. Look for insect channels or any other signs of their inhabitation. Chances are that you might not see any changes until substantial damage is done by these wood-destroying pests.
2. Rats and mice only require holes the size of a dime or tiny cracks to enter your home. These smart pests can gnaw on electrical wires, food containers, wooden beams, etc., and wreak havoc.
3. Various types of house spiders can also make nests and webs in particular parts of your home. Some pests are really stubborn and are hardwired to return to certain places. Hence, removing egg cases, nests and webs may help in keeping these pests away from your home. Get rid of all such reasons for them to return.
4. Dormant insects are also a potential risk. Such pests hide in the basement or attic during late fall and early winter in order to escape the frigid temperatures. Cluster flies, spiders and some ladybugs remain dormant until spring and then find their way into your home as the temperature turns warmer in your home.
5. Even though bed bugs are active around the year, they are comparatively less active during the winter months. During the hot summer months, they reproduce and spread rapidly. Hence, the winter months are an ideal time to get rid of these stubborn pests and prevent them from spreading a full-fledged infestation. Consulting professional pest control services is one of the best ways to get rid of bed bugs.

Prevention Tips for Keeping Pests Away During Winter

• Replace loose weather stripping and loose mortar around the windows and the basement foundation.
• Clean up the winter clutter. Keep storage areas well organized and boxes at a height.
• Check the areas where pipes and utilities enter the home. Seal holes and cracks around your home. A mouse, for instance, can enter a hole that is the size of a dime.
• Secure all openings and ensure your home is completely sealed. Look for possible cracks in the exterior of your home through which bugs may be making their way into your home. The common are door and window frames, edges of vinyl as well as attic ventilation screens.
• Firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from your home. Ants and mice can make the woodpiles their nests and easily gain entry into the home if the pile is nearby.
• Lawn debris attracts insects. Remove cut grass, raked leaves, and compost piles as often as you can. Take turns to remove lawn debris as it can be a tiring task. If you’ve left firewood or lumber out, store them away until your next use. Insects love wood and they invite some of their friends to party while you’re asleep.
• Look for moisture sites such as clogged drains or leaking pipes. The kitchen and bathrooms are highly vulnerable areas to pests like cockroaches.
• Chimney vents should also be screened thoroughly. Spaces such as basements and attics should be kept dry and well ventilated.
• Repair damaged window screens and install door sweeps.
• Make sure you always keep your windows and doors closed, including the garage door. Bees and flying insects just need one opportunity to make it into your home.
• To safeguard your home a little extra, use an insecticide barrier or request a pest inspection.

Even during the preparations for the festive season, you should be careful as the chances of pests entering your home through Christmas trees, firewood and decorative items are high. Ask home pest control experts or look online for tips on preventing pests during festive preparations. Professional pest control services are one of your best bets if you suspect a pest infestation in your home. They provide an integrated pest management approach to ensure that your home remains pest-free in all seasons.