Preparing for Winter: 5 DIY Pest Prevention Tips for Maryland Homes

Winter is just around the corner, and while Maryland’s changing seasons are beautiful, they also bring about new pest control challenges. As temperatures drop, pests like rodents, spiders, and insects begin to look for warm places to call home—and your cozy living space might be on their list. Fortunately, there are several proactive measures you can take to prevent these unwanted guests from entering. In this guide, we’ll cover some simple yet effective DIY pest prevention tips to help you prepare your home for winter.

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points

Pests often enter homes through small cracks and gaps in walls, foundations, and around windows and doors. Take time to inspect your home thoroughly:

• Check Windows and Doors: Look for gaps around windows and door frames. Seal these with caulk or weather stripping to prevent entry.
• Foundation and Siding: Examine the foundation and siding for cracks. Seal these openings with expanding foam or caulk.
• Pipes and Vents: Ensure gaps around pipes, vents, and utility openings are properly sealed to keep rodents out.
• Roof and Attic: Remember to inspect your roof and attic. Small openings in the roofline or damaged shingles can allow pests easy access. Seal these gaps and consider using mesh to cover attic vents.
• Garage Doors: Garages are common entry points for pests. Ensure the weather stripping at the bottom of the garage door is intact, and consider installing a door sweep to prevent pests from sneaking in.

By sealing these potential entry points, pests to get inside. This step is one of the most important measures you can take to protect your home from unwanted intruders.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

Pests are attracted to food and clutter. Maintaining a clean environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of a pest infestation.

• Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers, and don’t leave pet food out overnight. This includes dry goods, fruits, and leftovers.
• Declutter Storage Areas: Rodents love clutter, especially in garages, basements, and attics. Declutter these spaces to reduce hiding places. Use plastic bins with tight lids instead of cardboard boxes, as pests can chew through cardboard.
• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces to eliminate crumbs and spills that attract pests. Pay special attention to areas like the kitchen, pantry, and dining areas.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly. Store outdoor garbage bins away from your home to prevent attracting pests to your door.
• Laundry and Linens: Keep laundry and linens off the floor and in closed hampers. Pests like spiders and insects can make their homes in piles of clothes.

A clean and organized home is less inviting to pests, making it easier to keep them away. Taking the extra time to tidy up and store items properly can go a long way in preventing infestations.

3. Protect Your Home’s Exterior

Your home’s exterior plays a crucial role in preventing pests from entering. Here are some steps you can take to protect it:

• Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from your home’s exterior. Overhanging branches and dense shrubs can provide pathways for pests. Consider creating a barrier of at least 18 inches between vegetation and your home.
• Firewood Storage: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep it off the ground. Firewood can be a haven for insects and rodents, and stacking it too close to your home can make it easier for them to move indoors.
• Gutter Maintenance: Clean out gutters to prevent moisture buildup, which can attract insects. Clogged gutters can also lead to water damage, creating additional entry points for pests.
• Mulch and Landscaping: Avoid placing mulch directly against your home’s foundation. Mulch retains moisture, which can attract pests like termites and ants. Consider using gravel or rocks instead.
• Fences and Decks: Inspect fences, decks, and other structures connected to your home. Pests can use these as pathways to enter your house, so ensure they are in good condition and do not have gaps or damages.

By focusing on your home’s exterior, you can create an extra layer of defense against pests. Small changes to your landscaping and exterior maintenance can make a big difference in keeping pests out.

4. Set Traps and Use Natural Deterrents

If you’ve noticed signs of pests, consider setting traps or using natural deterrents to keep them at bay.

• Rodent Traps: Place traps in areas where you’ve seen rodent activity, such as the garage, attic, or basement. Consider different types of traps, including snap traps, electronic traps, or humane catch-and-release options.
• Natural Deterrents: Use natural deterrents like peppermint oil or vinegar to repel pests. For example, peppermint oil can be effective in keeping mice and spiders away. Spray a mixture of water and peppermint oil around entry points and common areas where pests are seen.
• Bait Stations: If you suspect an infestation, consider using bait stations. However, be cautious if you have pets or small children, as the bait can be toxic.
• Ultrasonic Repellents: Ultrasonic devices emit sounds that are unpleasant to pests but undetectable to humans. These can be an added measure to deter pests from settling in your home.
• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around baseboards and entry points. It is a natural, non-toxic powder that dehydrates and kills insects like ants and cockroaches.

Using these methods can help catch pests before they become a bigger problem. A combination of traps, deterrents, and proactive measures can significantly reduce pest activity in your home.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Reduce Moisture

Many pests thrive in moist environments, so it’s important to address any moisture issues in your home.

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky pipes or faucets to prevent moisture buildup. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in basements for any signs of water leaks.
• Use Dehumidifiers: Basements and crawl spaces are often damp, making them ideal environments for pests. Use dehumidifiers to keep these areas dry. Aim to keep the humidity level in your home below 50% to discourage pests.
• Ventilate Crawl Spaces: Properly ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity levels. Install vent fans if necessary to improve air circulation.
• Check Roof and Gutters for Leaks: Inspect your roof for missing shingles or damaged flashing, which can lead to water infiltration. Leaky roofs can create a perfect environment for pests to thrive.
• Basement Waterproofing: Consider waterproofing your basement if you experience regular moisture issues. Standing water and damp areas are major attractions for pests like centipedes, spiders, and silverfish.

Reducing moisture will make your home less attractive to pests looking for a humid place to nest. Proper ventilation and moisture control can go a long way in keeping your home pest-free.

Stay Pest-Free This Winter

Taking the time to prepare your home for winter can save you from the hassle and stress of dealing with pests during the colder months. By inspecting and sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, protecting your home’s exterior, reducing moisture, and using deterrents, you can create a pest-free environment for you and your family.