Alas summer is over, fall has arrived, and we are quickly headed into (dare I say it)… WINTER. For some of the bugs in our region, this means they will be actively seeking out somewhere cozy and warm to hide away during our brisk and frosty Canadian winter. Luckily for them, and not so luckily for us, the walls and attics of our homes provide exactly the type of venue these pests are looking for.
For many homeowners, you may be none the wiser that you’ve taken on a slew of new uninvited guests for the winter; But for others, when we experience a particularly warm winter day, or even if the thermostat warms your home to especially cozy temps, the overwintering pests will spring into action and in a dazed and confused state they may stumble into your home (instead of outside where they are actually intending to go).
Best plan of action is to prevent these little fair-weathered friends from entering your home in the first place! Prevention is the KEY!
What types of pests overwinter?
In the Okanagan, the main offenders for overwintering nuisance pests include:
How can you keep the bugs out of your home?
- Eliminate any and all entry points! Seal up gaps and crevices and screen over any openings/holes.
- Get a fall exterior barrier treatment done to add to the success of your exclusion efforts. Exterior treatments generally last 6-8 weeks (barring any unexpected extreme weather), which should provide plenty of time for overwintering pests to move on to another winter vacation venue.
What are the common points of entry?
- Brick and Mortar Joints: where a brick wall meets the siding/molding of your house there is often a slim crack/crevice where insects can enter your home.
- Underneath Window Frames: check the window frames of your home – but especially the underneath section. If they are not properly caulked and sealed, make sure to remedy this situation to keep the bugs out!
- Soffit and Attic Vents: Make sure to take a look at your soffit and attic vents. They should be properly screened over, and check carefully to make sure there are no holes in the screens. Bugs aren’t the only offenders that will take advantage of unsealed soffit vents – bats and rodents will squeeze in there too!
- Utility Openings: If there’s a hole/opening anywhere on the side of your home, bugs can get in! This includes any opening for venting, pipes, cables, you name it; so find a way to seal the gaps, to give your home a strong chance of staying pest free this winter.
When in doubt, contact your friendly neighbourhood pest management team! If our technicians are out to service your home for a preventative fall treatment, they would be more than happy to point out possible access points for overwintering pests, and rodents as well.
