Winter is in full swing here in the Dayton, Ohio area, and while it might seem that as the temperature drops that pests will naturally go into hibernation, it’s actually quite the opposite. Colder months can be a prime time for pests to invade your home and be some serious unwanted holiday guests. Seeking warmth, shelter, and food, pests such as rodents, cockroaches, and spiders actively look for ways to get inside. That’s why winter is the perfect time to focus on pest control and ensure your home is sealed against these unwelcome visitors.

Pests Don’t Hibernate—They Relocate

While some pests may appear dormant in winter, many are simply relocating to places you can’t see or aren’t checking. Your warm home becomes the ideal haven for pests looking to escape the cold. Mice, for example, can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Cockroaches can flatten their bodies to slide through even smaller cracks. Once inside, these pests can multiply quickly, leading to infestations that are harder to manage as time goes on.

The Season to Give & Seal (Your Home)

Just as you protect your home from the harsh Ohio cold, take this time also to be proactive with protecting your home from pests.

  • Install Weather Stripping: Gaps under doors and around windows are common entry points for pests. Install weather stripping to help seal these gaps while improving your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Caulk and Seal Cracks: Inspect the foundation, walls, and areas where pipes or wires enter your home. Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps that pests could use as entry points.
  • Repair Damaged Screens: Torn windows or door screens are an open invitation for pests. Replace or repair these to keep insects out.
  • Inspect Attics and Basements: These often-overlooked spaces are popular hiding spots for pests. Look for any signs of pest activity and seal off potential entry points.
  • Check Chimneys and Vents: Ensure that chimney caps and vent covers are secure to prevent pests like squirrels or birds from making their way indoors.

Keep Up with Regular Pest Control Treatments

On top of sealing your home, maintaining year-round pest control treatments is crucial. Professional pest control treatments create a protective barrier around your home that deters pests, even during the colder months. If you stop treatments in the winter months, come Spring and Summer, your standard pest control treatments might not be enough to manage what possibly happened throughout the winter. For example, rodents can chew through wires, increasing the risk of fires, and cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma. By sealing your home and maintaining regular pest control, you’re investing in the health and safety of your household.

Let EcoPro Help You Stay Pest-Free This Winter

At EcoPro Termite & Pest, we specialize in helping Dayton-area homeowners stay protected from pests year-round. Our expert technicians can identify potential entry points, recommend effective sealing solutions, and provide eco-friendly pest control treatments to keep your home safe and comfortable. Don’t let pests make your home their winter retreat—contact EcoPro today to schedule your winter pest control service and enjoy the holiday season, pest-free!