Easy pest control measures to protect your home in the Canadian winter

With bugs and critters looking for a warm place to crash, pest control is just as important in winter to prevent them from taking over your cozy abode.

Pest control company Orkin Canada warns that as winter settles in, pests “aren’t taking a break from invading homes.”

Alice Sinia, Ph.D., entomologist/pest specialist at Orkin Canada, said many insect pests will seek a warm place to shelter in winter.

“Consequently, homeowners will see a large number of overwintering insects such as cluster flies, boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and ladybugs congregate on the exterior walls, particularly walls that are exposed to more and longer sunshine (often south-facing walls) in late fall,” she said. “These insects eventually enter indoors to take shelter, where homeowners will encounter them.”

Rodents like mice and rats are also likely to look for warm places to hide.

“During winters, there is food scarcity, so rodents will also forage for food indoors, bringing them more in contact with people,” warned Sinia.

Homeowners must remain vigilant as these pests can pose health risks, contaminate food, and cause structural damage. But there are ways to protect your territory and stop pests from invading your space. Here are some tips to keep unwanted guests out this season.

Check your home’s exterior

When was the last time you assessed the state of your home from the outside? It’s important to walk around and look for cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Also, look for damaged vents, as they could be an entry point for pests.

Sinia also advises keeping your yard well-maintained by clearing leaves, trimming vegetation, and eliminating empty containers that can hold water and breed mosquitoes.

“Modify the habitat to make it less attractive to pests,” she stated.

Seal openings

Another way to pest-proof your home is by ensuring that all opening points are sealed. Orkin experts advise using weather-resistant sealant and steel wool to block entry points. Remember: mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.

Sinia advised, “Inspect and seal/caulk gaps, cracks, and voids in floors, exterior and interior walls, and foundation to prevent pests from entering indoors; these can be around doors, windows, utility entry points, etc.”

Store food properly

Avoid attracting pests and rodents by properly storing food in airtight containers. Once you’ve finished making that sandwich, don’t forget to clean up crumbs and put food away to prevent pests from scavenging for an easy meal.

And make sure your garbage is managed properly.

“Use pest-proof lidded garbage receptacles, do not allow them to overflow, and put out garbage only on pick-up days,” stated Sinia.

Reduce moisture

Unfortunately, pests thrive in damp environments, so check for leaks and moisture levels. If there’s too much moisture in the air, use a dehumidifier. Also, ensure that basements and attics have proper ventilation.

Moisture from melting snow can cause more than long-term damage to roofs and walls.

“These will cause increased carpenter ant infestations in spring because carpenter ants love moisture-compromised woods,” warned Sinia.

Keep firewood away

Who doesn’t love a cozy fire? But before getting ready to kick back in front of the fire, be mindful of how you store firewood, as you might unwittingly bring in pests hitching a ride on pieces of wood. To prevent this, make sure that firewood is stored at least five metres from your home. And before you bring it in, inspect the wood for pests.

Winter cleaning

Why not get a head start on spring cleaning? A winter deep clean is one way to create a more relaxing space but decluttering also helps rid your home of potential hiding spots for pests.

But if you’re feeling overwhelmed dealing with these pesky visitors, perhaps it’s time to call in the pest control pros.

“Consult a professional pest service personal to assess the property and advise, accordingly, to develop a customized integrated pest management for the property,” said Sinia.