As temperatures drop in Maryland, pests such as mice, rats, and cockroaches enter homes to seek warmth, food, and shelter from the elements. Even the tiniest gaps and cracks around your home are an open invitation, guiding pests indoors.
Without proactive pest control, rodents and other unwanted visitors are sure to make their way in. Once they do, they can cause damage, spread germs, and impact your psychological health.
The good news is that with a few smart prevention steps, you can keep winter pests out of your Maryland home for good. Here are seven winter pest control tips every Maryland homeowner should know.
Why Pests Are a Problem in Winter
Winter in Maryland doesn’t make pests disappear; it simply displaces them. Many seasonal pests, like rodents, will head indoors as outdoor food sources dwindle and temperatures drop. Many insects will enter a state of diapause inside your home, staying dormant until the temperatures warm up outside.
The combination of suburban and rural environments in Maryland gives pests plenty of places to seek shelter during the winter. Woodpiles, garages, crawl spaces, attics, basements, and sheds are all ideal places for rodents and other pests to make their homes during the cold months.
Once inside, they can cause a lot of damage, contaminate food, and even create fire hazards by gnawing on wires.
That’s why winter pest prevention is so important. By understanding how pests behave in the colder months, you can stop infestations before they start.
Common Winter Pests Found in Homes
Several pests will become more active indoors as winter arrives in Maryland. Not all of which are just rodents. Despite the cold outdoor temperatures, insects can also be a real problem. Some of the most common winter pests in Maryland are:
- Mice and rats: These rodents will make their way into your homes through even the smallest openings. They are the most notorious pests due to the damage they cause to food sources and the home itself.
- Spiders: While it’s not uncommon to find spiders in main living areas, they’re typically found in unoccupied areas like basements and crawl spaces.
- Stink bugs and boxelder bugs: These insects will hide in your home during the winter. They can typically be found in walls and near window frames and other openings, patiently awaiting warmer weather.
- Cockroaches: These insects are typically found in urban areas, but can seek shelter in any home. Typically, they’ll hide in kitchens, basements, and other areas with high moisture.
Tip 1: Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Entry Points
One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is by eliminating the many entry points to your property. Rodents and insects only need a small opening to make their way into your home.
Sealing off cracks, utility openings, and other gaps around your home is critical to keeping them out. You should also trim back any branches that are within 20 feet of your roofline.
Tip 2: Store Firewood Away From the House
Firewood piles are great hiding places for rodents and insects. If they’re stored near your home, pests can easily make their way inside. You should store wood piles 20 feet from your foundation. It’s also important to inspect logs and kindling for insects before bringing them indoors.
Tip 3: Keep Kitchens and Pantries Clean
Food is the main attraction for rodents and insects. Keeping the kitchen and other parts of your home clean and food stored properly is one of the best ways to minimize pest problems any time of year. Even small spills and unsealed food containers can attract mice and rats.
Practice the following preventive measures to keep winter pests out of your kitchen:
- Store food in airtight containers
- Wipe counters and sweep floors daily
- Take out the trash regularly
- Clean under appliances where crumbs can collect
Tip 4: Reduce Moisture and Fix Leaks
Moisture attracts many insects, including cockroaches and rodents. Fixing leaking pipes around your home is the first step in reducing moisture issues.
Employ a dehumidifier and a shop-vac if you do find standing water in your basement or beneath a vanity sink. Clean downspouts and gutters before winter weather rolls in and position them so they don’t direct water to the foundation.
Tip 5: Inspect Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces
Pests favor the parts of the home with the least amount of human activity. They’re safer and more likely to make their nests here. Regularly inspecting attics, basements, and crawl spaces is crucial to staying ahead of pest problems. Any signs of droppings, chewed insulation, and general pest activity are your cues to take action.
Tip 6: Maintain Proper Trash Storage
Trash is another major attractant to pests. If not properly taken care of, it’s essentially an open buffet for mice and insects to indulge on. Always make sure to use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and properly dispose of them as often as possible.
Storing bins outside isn’t the ultimate solution. They should be kept 20 feet away from your home and be sealed properly; otherwise, they will draw pests in.
Tip 7: Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection
Scheduling regular pest inspections can save you major headaches. Even if you routinely inspect your home, a trained professional can pick up signs you may have missed. Not only are droppings and traces of pest activity small, but they’re often hidden in areas you may never think to check. A trusted pest service can create a customized winter pest control plan for your home, ensuring you’re getting the best care possible.
Staying Pest-Free All Yearlong
The specifics of pest problems may change with the seasons, but they’re not exclusive to any of them. As spring rolls around, new pests will arrive; if left unchecked, old pests will continue to cause issues around your home. That’s why it’s so important to routinely inspect for and properly deal with any unwanted rodents or insects in your living areas.
It’s always best to stack your efforts. Combining DIY practices with regular professional inspections will yield the best results in combating pests. Expert professionals can even recommend more steps for you to take to keep your home free of pests all year long.
FAQs
Do mice come inside more during the cold months?
Yes. Rats and mice will seek shelter and warmth within your home as temperatures drop outdoors. Sealing gaps, cracks, vents, and other openings is essential to keeping them out.
How can I tell if pests are nesting in my attic or basement?
Chewed wires, shredded materials, and droppings are common signs of a pest problem. Sounds of rustling or scratching are also indicators of the presence of unwanted pests.
Should I do pest prevention even if I don’t see bugs in winter?
Yes. Many winter pests will remain undetectable until their numbers grow. Taking preventative measures will stop full-blown infestations before they can start.