How to Prevent Overwintering Pests From Entering Your Ann Arbor Home

With fall weather setting in to the Lansing region, wildlife and pests are all beginning to look for sheltered spaces to spend the colder months. The experienced team at Mosquito Squad Plus of Greater Lansing helps homeowners address these seasonal concerns through targeted pest control services. For Ann Arbor, MI pest control, prevention starts with knowing which overwintering pests are likely to visit and how they find their way indoors.

Which Overwintering Pests Enter Ann Arbor Homes?

These two pests are frequent nuisances during temperature swings. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are known to gather on sun-warmed walls. This could be the siding of the house, the brick of a porch, and even stone garden walls. As they slip away, both of these species will seek crevices to hide.

Spiders living outside do not always seek shelter from the cold; rather, they are more likely to follow insects as food sources. This means that as pests seek shelter from the elements, spiders may follow in order to have access to suitable food sources.

Trim Greenery and Clear Yard Debris

Overgrown shrubs and branches, especially those close to the house, are convenient bridges and hideouts for pests, attempting to get closer to the home. Spiders and ants may use branches that are touching the structure to have faster access to doors and windows.

Rodents may also use overgrown brush, or even leaves piled high, to cover their movement around the foundation of the house. Keep vegetation around foundation vents and utility connections tidy, and clear leaves from window wells and basement stairways.

Check Door and Window Seals for Gaps

Stink bugs and boxelder bugs can squeeze through surprisingly narrow openings. Before temperatures are steadily cold, inspect the weatherstripping around windows and doors, as well as seals where plumbing or wiring enters the foundation. These are all common access points for these small pests. Pay extra attention to south- or west-facing walls as they will see more stink bug traffic.

Inspect Foundations, Vents, and Utility Openings

Not every entry point is going to be obvious; cracks in the foundation, especially along siding edges, can be quick access into sheltered basements or crawlspaces. Rodents do not need a lot of space to get inside; they can squeeze through uncovered vents or improperly sealed utility openings. Be on the lookout for gnaw marks, droppings, and weird noises in the walls to potentially indicate rodent activity.

When Professional Pest Control Can Help

Even a well-maintained home may experience repeated pest activity, particularly where wooded landscaping meets older construction. Greater Lansing's Complete Home & Yard pest package includes services addressing indoor and outdoor pests such as spiders, ants, and cockroaches. Trained technicians inspect the property during treatment visits and can discuss options for the specific pests you're noticing, including seasonal insects congregating near the home.

Prepare Your Ann Arbor Home Before Winter Arrives

To get started prepping your house for pest activity changes, contact Mosquito Squad Plus of Greater Lansing. Our team can help put together an Ann Arbor, MI pest control plan and give a free quote over the phone at (517) 798-8681.