Winter Pest Prep: How to Keep Unwanted Guests Out This Season
When the cold weather rolls in, pests don't just disappear — they move in. As temperatures drop in Ohio, bugs and rodents search for warm spaces to nest, often choosing your attic, basement, garage, or kitchen.
If you've ever spotted a mouse darting across the floor in December or found cobwebs in corners that weren't there last week, you know winter pests are real. The good news? A few simple steps now can save you from bigger problems later.
Why Winter Invites Pests Indoors
During fall and early winter, many pests enter "overwintering" mode. This means they seek shelter from the cold to survive until spring. Your home offers everything they need: warmth, moisture, food, and protection from predators.
Some of the most common winter pests in Ohio include:
- Rodents (mice and rats)
- Spiders
- Stink bugs
- Cockroaches
- Cluster flies
- Boxelder bugs
They enter through small cracks in foundations, gaps around doors or windows, vents, chimneys, or even via packages and firewood.
Simple Steps to Pest-Proof Your Home
Want to avoid surprise guests this season? Here's how to winterize your home against pests:
- Seal all entry points: Check around doors, windows, and pipes. Caulk cracks and install weather stripping where needed.
- Keep firewood stored away from the house: At least 20 feet away and off the ground to prevent hidden hitchhikers.
- Inspect attic and basement insulation: These quiet areas are prime nesting zones.
- Declutter storage spaces: Pests love cluttered cardboard boxes and unused holiday decor.
- Fix leaks and reduce moisture: Especially in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens — damp environments attract bugs.
- Store food in airtight containers: Don't give mice and roaches an easy meal.
Why Professional Prevention Works Better
Even the best DIY prep can miss hidden gaps or existing nests. That's why a seasonal inspection from Bug-A-Pest is so valuable. Our trained technicians:
- Inspect the full exterior of your home for potential entry points
- Look for early signs of infestation you may have missed
- Apply targeted treatments that repel or eliminate pests
- Offer tips customized to your home's layout and risk level
We don't just treat what we see — we prevent what's coming.
Keep Winter Cozy — and Pest-Free
This is paragraph text. Click it or hWinter should be about warm blankets and hot cocoa, not scratching noises in the walls or spiders in the bathroom. Let Bug-A-Pest help you prep your home before the cold really sets in.
Call us today for a free winter inspection and treatment plan — and rest easy knowing your home is protected from pests all season long.it the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.
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