How to Prevent & Get Rid of Overwintering Pests in Frisco

Many people head indoors to stay warm when the weather in Frisco starts to cool down. Also, many pests start looking for a cozy place to spend the winter. These overwintering pests can be a real headache once they get into your home.  Keep reading to learn more about these pests, why they want to get into your house, and when to check out saelapest.com for professional help. 

What Are Overwintering Pests?

Overwintering pests survive the cold months by hiding in warm, sheltered spots. Your home is the perfect place for them, especially attics, wall voids, and crawl spaces. Some of the most common overwintering pests in Frisco include:

• Stink bugs. These pests are known for their shield shape and bad smell when squished.
• Boxelder bugs. These are black bugs with red or orange markings.
• Ladybugs. These colorful bugs can swarm in large numbers.
• Spiders. Spiders are not technically overwintering bugs, but they love the same hiding spots.
• Rodents. Mice and rats often sneak in for warmth and food during winter.

Some of these pests are more annoying than harmful. Others can damage your home or pose health risks.

How Do They Get Inside?

Overwintering pests are tiny and do not need a wide-open door to get in.  They can enter your home through cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, or broken screens. Also, loose sidings and vents without covers all make perfect entry points for overwintering pests. Rodents only need a hole the size of a dime. They hide in out-of-the-way spots and wait for the weather to warm up again once inside. 

Prevention Starts Outside

Stopping overwintering pests before they get in is the best move. Here are things you can do around the outside of your home to help prevent a problem:

• Seal up cracks and gaps. Use caulk or weatherproof sealant around windows, doors, and the foundation to block entry for pests. 
• Repair screens. Make sure all window and door screens are in good shape. Even a small tear can let bugs in.
• Install door sweeps. These block pests from sneaking in under doors, especially exterior doors to garages or basements.
• Check your siding and vents. Seal any gaps or holes you find. A mesh should be used to cover vents and chimneys.
• Move firewood and debris away from your home. Piles of wood or leaves can attract pests and give them a place to hide close to your house. So, store them away from your house. 

Keep the Inside Clean and Sealed

A few pests might still get in even if you do everything right outside. This makes it essential to make your home less inviting on the inside. Below are steps you can take:

• Vacuum often. This picks up any bugs that have made their way indoors and helps prevent them from settling in.
• Store food properly. Use airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills quickly. This will cut off food supply for pests. 
• Declutter storage areas. Pests love dark, quiet spots, so keeping your attic, closets, and garage tidy can help.
• Use traps or deterrents. Sticky traps, ultrasonic pest repellents, or natural deterrents like peppermint oil can help keep bugs and rodents at bay.

Know the Signs of an Infestation

Sometimes overwintering pests hide so well that you do not realize their presence until you see the signs. You might notice bugs crawling around windows or light fixtures or dead insects collecting in corners or near sills. Also, seeing rodent droppings in drawers, cabinets, or storage bins can indicate an active infestation. Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings are signs of rodent activity.