BUG OUT! Protect Your Home from Insects This Winter

When we think of bug problems, we often think of summer with its pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, ants and bees – just to name a few – but winter insect control is needed too. Keeping your home free of insects during colder months is almost more important than during warmer months because your time is spent primarily indoors when things get chilly outside. Check out our list that outlines everything you need to know to stay bug-free this winter.

Answering Your Top Questions About Winter Pest Control

• What winter insects should I be worried about? The type of bugs to worry about during winter months can vary from region to region. Here are some annoying pests that can be found anywhere you hang your hat. The most common winter bugs are Indian Meal Moths and Carpet Beetles. Indian Meal Moths are found in kitchens and pantries. They’re especially attracted to grain and cereal products. Carpet Beetles seek food sources like silk, leather, wool, fur, and hair. Carpet Beetles are commonly found in carpets, furniture, pillows, blankets, and clothing.

• What can I do to prevent a bug problem this winter? In all areas of life, prevention is the best strategy. A few simple steps can help you avoid a winter insect problem:
  • Fill in cracks - Let’s face it, over time, cracks in the foundation of your home happen. Those cracks create portals for bugs to make the crossover into your home. This simple step can create a defense against unwanted visitors.
  • Clean up debris - Keeping the outdoor area of your home tidy may become less of a priority during winter with more indoor gatherings, but ignore it at your own risk. Winter insects find breeding grounds in your lawn’s debris and then make the easy trip into your home.
  • De-fruit your fruit trees - Most of the bounty from your fruit-bearing trees was consumed over the summer months, but if not, that fruit could be attracting insects that can easily make an entrance into your home. Clean up the fruit from your trees, and keep the pests away.
  • Use window screens and seal doors - Cracking the windows during winter to let some cool air flow through is a common practice, especially when the heater is operating at full blast. Feel safe to air your home out as needed by ensuring you’re protected with window screens to keep out unwanted guests. It’s also an easy fix to check doors that need to be sealed. These do-it-yourself efforts can keep your home free from annoying bugs all year round.
  • Check shipped packages and shoes at the door - 'Tis the season to get lots of packages at the door! But don’t let your delivered packages bring additional baggage from the outdoors. It’s also a good idea to institute a “boots off” policy to avoid the possibility of winter insects entering your home on guests' footwear.

Insects finding their way into your home during the colder months of winter is inevitable. However, by following this simple list of do-it-yourself tasks, you may be able to avoid it, or at least lessen the chance of infestation. Spring Green professionals are here to help support your bug avoidance goals. Since 1977, we’ve been the experts in lawn and tree care, and pest control services for homes just like yours.