How to Protect Your Duluth Home from Overwintering Pests

Winter is a time for cozying up inside after spending time outside in the snow. Unfortunately, certain pests like insects and rodents don’t have snowsuits like us to protect them from the elements, so they’ll start seeking protected shelter in mid-to-late autumn before the temperatures drop. 

To help keep them out of your home this winter, there’s Duluth pest control from Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Minnesota. We can perform your first treatment within 48 business hours*, or it’s free. While we’re there, we can also look for potential entry points and recommend ways to address them.

Seal the Exterior Before Cold Weather Sets In

Many homes have exterior entry points homeowners don’t even know about, which is why regular inspections are so important. Don’t just look for obvious areas during an inspection, though; check hidden areas like utility penetrations, vents, soffits, siding transitions, foundation openings, and worn garage seals.

Window and door gaps are obviously important to check for, too, but the areas we mentioned above are ones that often go unnoticed and can become primary entry points for unwelcome pests. 

Reduce Shelter and Food Sources Near the House

While you’re addressing entry points around your home, identify what’s bringing pests to your house in the first place. Overwintering pests like rodents and certain insects need shelter, warmth, food, and water to survive. If they can access those resources around your home, then it’s game on.

That’s why we recommend checking for areas you can clean up to help prevent pests from being attracted. Look for clutter and firewood you can move away from the side of your structure, secure trash bins and food, trim vegetation that touches the home, and clear excess leaf debris from the foundation.

Check Attics, Garages, Basements, and Storage Areas

Quiet, protected spaces like attics, garages, basements, and storage areas often offer shelter that humans and pets don’t disturb as much during the winter. As a result, pests gravitate to these areas, making it even more important to inspect them throughout the year.

When you inspect these areas, look for droppings, gnaw marks (such as on wood, wiring, or insulation), insect accumulations, webbing, odors, and disturbed materials, as these can all signal a pest infestation.

What to Do If Overwintering Pests Are Already Indoors

When you see pests like stink bugs or ladybugs, you may instinctively want to smush or crush them. We don’t recommend this approach, as crushing them can stain clothing, walls, and furniture. If enough are grouped together, crushing them can also cause odor or even release allergens. 

Instead, we advise vacuuming visible nuisance insects where practical and getting professional help for recurring insects or rodents. When it comes to rodents, we don’t recommend sealing them inside your home, as that can cause more issues once the animal(s) die.

Professional Pest Control in Duluth

When you’re ready to keep overwintering pests out of your home this year, pest control in Duluth is just a call away. We can perform your first treatment within 48 business hours*, or it’s free, then work with you to create a recurring treatment schedule we’ll maintain throughout the season.

Throughout our work together, you can count on us for upfront pricing (AKA no hidden fees), more peace of mind, and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee that backs up all our work. 

Call (218) 325-9495 or request a free quote online.

*At participating locations; weather and eligibility restrictions apply.