Older homes do tend to see more overwintering pests, but it’s not a problem because of age alone. Pests find gaps and use them to get into structures, and older homes tend to have more of these gaps.
There are all kinds of pests that can overwinter in homes like stink bugs and boxelder bugs. Rodents are another big one. A lot of times, people associate pests like these with older homes, and that association is more or less true. But the reasons for this are not as straightforward as they may seem at a glance.
An older house may offer more opportunities simply because building materials have had more time to shift, shrink, wear, or become damaged. Window and door seals deteriorate. Screens tear. Mortar cracks. A lot of older homes also have additions like porches and extensions of the roofline, not to mention just plain old repairs, and every time something like this is added, it can leave behind seams that, if not properly repaired, can let pests in.
“Old house” doesn’t have to mean “pest problem,” though. A well-maintained century-old home may be harder for pests to enter than a much newer house with damaged weatherstripping, poorly screened vents, or gaps around utilities. So instead of asking how old the house is, it’s worth asking how pests are getting in.
Check basement windows, exterior doors, garage seals, utility lines, siding transitions, soffits, roof and eave junctions, attic vents, and attached additions or porches. As you do this, be sure to repair damaged screens and seals, and close appropriate exterior gaps without blocking necessary ventilation.
Pay attention to where those pests tend to hang out too. Heavy swarms of bugs repeatedly covering one specific exterior wall usually point straight to a hidden entry gap or a heat-retaining surface. Inside the house, look out for clues that might indicate a pest problem like fresh gnaw marks or dead insects by windows. Those suggest the pests are already indoors.
Older homes often have more ways for pests to get in. But exclusion and maintenance matter more than the date on the deed.
If overwintering pests are getting into your Greenwich home, Mosquito Squad of Greenwich can help identify pest activity and develop an appropriate control plan for your property. Call (203) 496-8636 or request a free quote online.
