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November 05, 2024
According to Farmer’s Almanac, Mainers need to brace for a wet winter whirlwind (their words, not ours) that will bring both rain and snow, with little downtime in between. Other sources, however, don’t agree and are forecasting a calmer, gentler winter in the Pine Tree State. Which New England forecast is correct? Only time will tell. Regardless of what’s in store for us, there’s a lot of work to be done around the home to prevent pest problems from occurring this winter.
Why winter pest prevention matters
From mice nesting in your basement to spiders setting up shop in the corners, pests can quickly go from being a seasonal nuisance to a year-round problem. And while it’s easy to assume that colder weather will keep pests at bay, the opposite is true. Winter weather only encourages insects and rodents to find warmth and security indoors. Once pests are in, they can cause quite a bit of trouble – from minor cosmetic issues to more extensive damage; they can even create health risks.
The good news is with a few proactive steps, you can help keep your home pest-free this winter! Continue reading as we walk you through the most common winter pests in Maine, how they get inside, and relatively simple ways you can prevent infestations before they have a chance to begin.
Common winter pests in Maine
During the winter months, some of Maine’s most persistent pests make their way indoors, seeking warmth and the resources they need to survive. Common winter pests in Maine include the following:
- Rodents
Mice and rats search for warm nesting spots indoors when outdoor food sources start dwindling and temperatures drop. Basements, attics, and wall voids provide a cozy, safe refuge, while kitchens and pantries provide a steady food supply. Unfortunately, once rodents enter, they can cause damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and other building materials. Moreover, they leave behind their droppings and urine wherever they go, creating health hazards. - Spiders
House spiders, wolf spiders, and other types of spiders in Maine often head inside as the cooler weather arrives. Commonly found in basements, attics, and corners, arachnids feed on other insects they find indoors. Although they are not destructive pests, spider activity strongly suggests that other insects hide in your home during the winter months. - Cockroaches
These vile pests are always looking for food and shelter, and winter is no exception. Roaches are attracted to areas of high moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. They are not just a nasty sight to behold in the middle of the night; cockroaches carry and spread bacteria, which can create health issues and even trigger allergies and asthma. - Silverfish
These small, wingless insects thrive in damp, dark environments and are often found in basements, bathrooms, and attics. Silverfish are not dangerous but can cause minor damage to books, papers, and other starchy materials as they feed.
How pests get inside
Insects and rodents are experts at finding ways into homes. Small gaps and openings around your home provide easy access. Here are a few common entry points:
- Cracks and gaps
Even the smallest openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and siding can serve as entryways for pests. Mice, for example, can squeeze through a gap as small as a dime. - Vents and chimneys
Rodents and other pests are surprisingly agile and can enter your home through exterior vents, chimneys, and even dryer exhaust openings. Installing screens or caps on these entry points can help keep pests out while still allowing proper ventilation. - Utility openings
Pipes, cables, and other utility lines that give you internet, lights, and other modern conveniences usually have small gaps around them, which pests will take advantage of. Adding caulking or weather stripping around these openings can help close off potential entry points. - Doors and windows
Leaving doors and windows without screens open for any length of time can allow pests to sneak inside. Gaps under garage doors and entry doors may also provide just enough room for insects and maybe even rodents to slip inside. Keeping doors shut and addressing gaps will make it harder for pests to get indoors.
Practical tips to keep pests out this winter
Looking around your home, you might notice a few things that need fixing. You may be considering waiting for spring to complete projects such as replacing those ripped screens, cleaning the gutters, or repairing broken siding. Maybe someone should look at the roof and ensure there isn’t anything amiss there. If you are thinking of tackling that project in May, don’t hesitate. Fix these things now, before it gets too cold and the snow flies. If you leave these maintenance issues unattended, you invite pests to seek refuge in your home to escape the winter elements.
Other pest prevention tips to implement include:
- Sealing exterior entry points.
- Storing firewood well away from the house and off the ground.
- Decluttering and organizing the garage and other storage areas to eliminate potential hiding spots.
- Controlling indoor humidity levels.
- Properly storing food and trash.
Some of these pests are much more destructive than others, but none of them make good houseguests. Prevention is much more cost-effective than waiting until it is too late and a full-blown infestation has already occurred.
Sign up for home pest control for the best protection!
In addition to implementing the pest prevention tips mentioned above, we recommend signing up for year-round home pest control services that stop insects and rodents from taking over.
Locally owned and operated, Pine State Pest Solutions is headquartered in Auburn, Maine, and provides the best pest control in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York counties. Our residential plans provide ongoing protection against insects and rodents that include quarterly pest treatments and so much more! In fact, we have a plan to fit any budget. Compare pricing and features below, or call us to discuss your situation. We’d love to help you enjoy a winter without bugs and rodents!
*initial start-up fees may apply.
This blog was originally published on October 26, 2016; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.
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