When winter arrives, some pests hibernate while others look for food and warmth elsewhere—like inside your home. There are certain winter pest control tactics you can take to help keep rodents, raccoons, roaches, and spiders from making your home a winter retreat.

Rodent Winter Pest Control

While you can find house mice any time of the year, they particularly seek the warm, dark seclusion of your basement or attic in the winter. Mice can chew through drywall to make their nests in the walls, even if they have to chew through wires in the process—which can spark an electrical fire. Larger rats can also chew through pipes, creating leaks and even more damage. When they find your food, they can leave droppings and contaminate your supply.

Since mice can fit through tiny openings, seal any cracks or holes with steel wool and caulk. Keep clutter off the floor so they have less places to hide. If you notice droppings, gnaw marks, or damaged food packages, start setting some traps.

Raccoon Control

Raccoons can find their way into your trashcans looking for food. Then come winter, they’ll look for ways to get into your attic or chimney to make it their den.

Keep them out of the trash by storing the cans in a locked shed or garage. When you take them out for trash day, use animal-proof lids. Help keep them out of your home by ensuring access points—like vents, siding, and chimneys—are secure and covered. Trim tree branches close to the house that could act as a bridge from the tree to your roof.

Winter Cockroach Control

Roaches are always on the lookout for moist places to hide close to a food source. They can hitch a ride inside on grocery bags, boxes, and other objects. Then they head straight for the bathroom or kitchen.

Keep roaches out by keeping counters and floors clean. Take the trash out regularly, and keep a close eye on corners or your kitchen and bathroom where they may be hiding.

Spider Control

Webs are usually set up in quiet corners in closets, attics, basements, and other undisturbed spots. Spiders can also be found hiding out in cardboard boxes, along the window, and cuddling clothes currently not being worn for a while.

Trimming your tree back from the house can also help keep spiders from getting in. Store out-of-season clothes and shoes in plastic containers.

Further Winter Pest Control Help

If you’re finding other pests are finding their way into your home in the winter, contact Cardinal Lawns for more pest control tips.