As the holidays approach in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Tristate area, the weather is getting colder. You are likely spending more time indoors, turning up the heat, and getting cozy. Unfortunately, local wildlife wants to do the exact same thing.
While many people think bugs simply die off when the snow falls, many are actually looking for a safe place to wait out the cold. This process is called overwintering. In nature, insects might hide under tree bark or inside logs. However, if they can find a way into your attic or basement, that works even better for them. This is why effective winter pest control is essential for a peaceful home.
Examples of Overwintering Pests
To protect your home, you need to know what you are up against. Here are a few common examples of overwintering pests that try to become permanent houseguests during the holidays:
Mice: These are the most obvious winter intruders. Mice are incredible climbers and can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime. Once inside, they leave behind rub marks—dark, greasy smudges on walls and floors.
Stinkbugs: These bugs don’t bite, but they are a nuisance. They enter homes seeking warmth. The problem is that once one stinkbug finds a cozy spot, it releases a scent that invites other stinkbugs to join them. Even worse, the heat inside your home can trick their bodies into thinking it is spring, causing them to become active and breed.
Boxelder Bugs: Similar to stinkbugs, these pests usually live on trees but move indoors to hibernate in dark spots. If your heating wakes them up, they can fly around and leave stains on your curtains and furniture.
Spiders: While spiders are beneficial in that they eat other bugs, nobody wants a house full of them. Many spider species breed in the autumn and move indoors to overwinter, meaning you might see a population spike just as you are trying to relax for the season.
Tips for Preventing Overwintering Pests
You likely already know to seal up big cracks in your foundation. However, overwintering pests are often small and sneaky. Here are some specific tips to keep them out:
Check Your Holiday Greens: Before you bring a Christmas tree, wreath, or garland inside, inspect it closely. Spider egg sacks often look like small balls of cotton hidden on the branches.
Watch Your Decorations: If you store holiday decor in the garage or shed, check the boxes carefully as you unpack. Pests often hide in these boxes during the off-season.
Seal the Air Gaps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to stop drafts and bugs from sliding underneath. Also, check your weather stripping; if it is worn out, replace it immediately.
Cover the Vents: Make sure your chimneys and attic vents have proper screens installed. This allows air to flow but stops critters from entering.
Give Overwintering Pests the Boot
If you spot signs of mice or insects settling in to overwinter, don’t wait until the new year to act. Call Masters Pest Control at (877) 546-9575 or request a free quote. Let us handle the pests so you can handle the holidays with grace!
