Author: Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist 

Winter will be here before we know it and so will winter pests. To protect your home from an insect invasion, now is the time to prep your yard for winter. There are a few key things you should start doing to prevent pest problems around your home in the cold season:

Move Your Woodpiles

Many pests like to take refuge in woodpiles. The closeness of the stacked wood provides shelter and warmth, and the curves and angles of the wood make galleries perfectly sized for roaches, rodents, and pests in between. While fresh firewood is a staple of the winter season, consider moving your woodpiles farther away from the sides of your home and thoroughly inspect the wood before bringing it inside.

Get Rid of Leaf Litter

Similar to woodpiles, piles of leaf litter can create shelter areas for pests. As autumn continues and leaves gather around your yard, take time to rake them up and dispose of them by bagging them. Any leaf piles left in your yard should be made far away from the home.

Clean Our Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts tend to get clogged this time of year. These areas can store standing water and moisture that pests can use during winter. Though most pests like flies and mosquitoes will be dormant due to cooler weather, other pests like centipedes, stink bugs, and ants can take advantage of these water sources year-round.

Check Your Home’s Foundation

The work you do in your yard only pays off if your home is foundationally secure and free of pest entry points. Insects don't need much room to get inside your home, and even the smallest gaps in walls, windows, and doors can grant them entrance. Before winter overtakes us, be sure to make the necessary repairs to the outside of your house and stop insect pests in their tracks.

Schedule a Service

Call the Pros at Mosquito Squad to schedule a late-season service to cover your bases this winter. Mosquito Squad's new Invader Guard pest package offers a range of treatment plans to control seasonal insect invaders, including cockroaches, stink bugs, house centipedes, and more. Call us today for a free quote.