There is some good news for those that are afraid of pests. The weather is getting cooler, and that means that many of the pests are going to die off or hibernate over the next few weeks to months.
But until that time comes, this can actually be a terrible time for pests and pest control. That is because those same pests are ready to flee the cold weather of Staten Island, and are looking for a warmer place to call home. For many, that is your property, as your HVAC system keeps your property nice and comfortable for bugs, rodents, and more.
Professional pest control with Fillmore Termite and Pest Control is one of the best ways to address this, as we offer comprehensive pest management techniques to help your property. But what can YOU do in the interim to make sure that pests can’t come inside of your home as they try to flee the colder air?
Tips for Keeping Pests Out Before Winter
Besides pesticides and pest control company led exclusion, there are several additional steps you can take if you want to make sure pests don’t try to head inside your home as the weather gets colder. These include:
- Check and Seal Utility Openings – Inspect where pipes, cables, and HVAC lines enter your home. Even a gap the size of a pencil can allow mice inside. Use steel wool and sealant or fitted escutcheon plates to close these areas off.
- Install Door Sweeps and Thresholds – Gaps under exterior doors are a major entry point for roaches, spiders, and rodents. Install high-quality door sweeps and weatherstripping, and check garage doors for worn seals.
- Replace Worn Window Screens – Many pests slip in through torn or loose-fitting screens. Inspect all windows and basement vents and replace damaged mesh with a fine gauge that blocks small insects.
- Clear Foundation Perimeter – Trim vegetation back at least 12 to 18 inches from your foundation and remove stacked wood, mulch, or debris. These areas hold moisture and warmth, creating staging points for pests.
- Address Drainage Issues – Check gutters and downspouts for clogs, and make sure water drains away from your foundation. Standing water and damp soil draw mosquitoes, ants, and termites closer to your home.
- Store Firewood Away from Walls – If you keep firewood for winter, stack it at least 20 feet from the house and elevate it on a rack. Wood piles attract carpenter ants, termites, and rodents looking for cover.
- Inspect Attic and Roofline – Squirrels, raccoons, and birds look for warm attic spaces. Check soffits, gable vents, and roof intersections for loose boards or damaged mesh. Repair gaps with hardware cloth or flashing.
- Tighten Food and Trash Storage – Before pests move inside, make sure they’re not attracted to easy food sources outdoors. Use lidded trash bins, store birdseed in sealed containers, and pick up fallen fruit or pet food left outside.
By taking these specific steps now, you create multiple barriers that make it harder for pests to get inside your Staten Island home. Combined with professional pest control services from Fillmore Termite and Pest Control, you can significantly reduce the risk of late-season infestations and start the winter with fewer pest problems.
Reach out today to have pest control that lasts all winter, and get the support you need from many common insects and rodents.
