When the West Texas wind picks up and temperatures drop in Lubbock, we aren’t the only ones looking for a warm place to hunker down. While many people believe that bugs and rodents simply “die off” in the winter, the truth is that they are actively seeking shelter. Professional pest control becomes vital during these months as unwanted visitors trade the cold outdoors for the warmth and food sources found inside your home.
At Pinkston’s Pest Control, we know that winter is one of the most critical times for proactive home protection. Here is what you can expect during the colder months and how you can keep unwanted guests out.
The “Overwintering” Reality: What to Expect
In the winter, pest activity shifts from the yard to the structure of your home. You may notice a change in the types of pests trying to gain entry:
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Rodents (Mice and Rats): This is the biggest winter threat. A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. As natural food sources disappear, they seek out your pantry and the warmth of your attic or crawlspace.
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Cockroaches: Roaches thrive in warm, damp areas. In the winter, they often congregate around water heaters, under sinks, and behind appliances.
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Spiders: While they may have been outside during the summer, spiders follow their food source—other bugs—indoors. You may notice more webs in corners or garages as they settle in for the season.
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Occasional Invaders: Pests like boxelder bugs or crickets often seek shelter in wall voids, emerging on unexpectedly warm winter days.
Why Winter Service is Essential
Many homeowners consider canceling their pest service when they don’t see bugs in the yard, but winter service is actually about prevention and interior fortification.
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Breaking the Life Cycle: Many pests lay eggs in late fall. Winter treatments target these hidden areas, ensuring that you don’t face a massive “population explosion” when spring arrives.
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Focusing on the Perimeter: Winter is the best time for us to inspect the exterior of your home for entry points that weren’t visible behind summer foliage.
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Attic and Crawlspace Inspections: These are the primary “highways” for winter pests. Professional winter service includes checking these often-ignored areas for signs of rodent activity or nesting.
How to Keep Pests Out: A Homeowner’s Checklist
You can help protect your home by following these simple winterization steps:
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Seal the Gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. Use steel wool to plug small holes around utility pipes, as rodents cannot chew through it.
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Manage Firewood: Keep firewood piles at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground. Firewood is a prime nesting spot for spiders, termites, and rodents.
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De-Clutter Storage Areas: Cardboard boxes are a favorite nesting material for mice and a food source for silverfish. Switch to plastic bins with locking lids for holiday decorations and clothing.
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Watch the Moisture: Ensure your gutters are clear so water doesn’t pool near the foundation, and check for leaky pipes under sinks. Moisture is a beacon for roaches and silverfish.
Protect Your Home with Pinkston’s
Don’t wait for a rodent to move into your attic or roaches to find your kitchen. Winter pest control is the “secret weapon” to a pest-free spring. At Pinkston’s Pest Control, we offer year-round protection plans tailored to the specific climate and pest pressures of Lubbock and the surrounding areas.
Ready to winter-proof your home? Contact Pinkston’s Pest Control today for a professional inspection and treatment plan!