As the winter chill sets in across Hermitage, Pennsylvania, pests like rodents, spiders, and stink bugs seek warmth and shelter indoors.

While your cozy home might be perfect for your family, it’s also an attractive haven for these unwelcome guests. Without proper prevention, these pests can cause damage, spread disease, and create a nuisance.

Here’s what you need to know about the winter habits of these common pests and how to keep them from turning your home into their winter retreat.

Why Winter Brings Pests Indoors

When temperatures drop, food and shelter become scarce outdoors. Many pests, such as mice and rats, instinctively move indoors to escape the elements, while stink bugs and spiders seek refuge in cracks and crevices. The warmth and abundance of hiding spots make Hermitage homes an ideal target.

Winter Pests to Watch Out For

1. Rodents (Mice and Rats):

• Behavior: Rodents enter homes through small gaps in search of warmth, food, and nesting materials.
• Risks: They can chew through wires, insulation, and wood, causing structural damage and fire hazards. Rodents also carry diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.
• Signs of Infestation: Droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching noises in walls or ceilings.

2. Spiders:

• Behavior: Spiders often seek shelter in basements, attics, and dark corners of your home.
• Risks: While most spiders in Hermitage are harmless, their webs can create an unkempt appearance, and some species, like the brown recluse, may pose a bite risk.
• Signs of Infestation: Spider webs in corners, storage areas, and near windows or vents.

3. Stink Bugs:

• Behavior: Stink bugs enter homes to hibernate and often congregate in attics, walls, or windowsills.
• Risks: Although they don’t bite or cause structural damage, they emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.
• Signs of Infestation: Clusters of bugs near windows or inside light fixtures.

How to Prevent Winter Pest Infestations

1. Seal Entry Points:

• Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes in the foundation, walls, and roof.
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal openings around doors, windows, and utility lines.
• Install door sweeps to close gaps under exterior doors.

2. Declutter and Organize:

• Keep storage areas like basements, attics, and garages clean and organized to eliminate hiding spots for pests.
• Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which can attract rodents.

3. Eliminate Food Sources:

• Keep countertops clean and store food in airtight containers.
• Regularly empty trash bins and ensure they have tight-fitting lids.
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.

4. Address Moisture Issues:

• Fix leaky pipes and faucets to reduce water sources for pests.
• Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to keep humidity levels low.

5. Install Screens and Barriers:

• Cover vents, chimneys, and attic openings with fine mesh screens.
• Repair any damaged window screens to prevent stink bugs and spiders from entering.

6. Maintain Your Yard:

• Trim back bushes, trees, and shrubs that touch your home to reduce access points.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and keep it off the ground.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve noticed signs of an infestation, it’s best to call a pest control expert. Professional services can:

• Identify and address the source of the infestation.
• Provide safe and effective treatments tailored to your home.
• Offer long-term solutions to prevent future pest problems.

Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Winter

While Hermitage’s cold winters can drive pests indoors, proactive measures can help keep your home protected. By sealing entry points, reducing attractants, and maintaining your home’s exterior, you can enjoy a warm and pest-free season.