According to recent studies, over 65% of pest infestations originate indoors during winter, and so proactive winter pest control is even more essential. This guide delivers expert-backed, easy-to-follow strategies to help you stay pest-free this season and beyond.

Seal Gaps, Cracks, and Entry Points

Even the tiniest crevice can be an open door for mice, ants, and spiders. Inspect around windows, doors, vents, utility lines, and your foundation. Use silicone caulk for cracks and weatherstripping to reinforce seals.

✅ Pro Tip: Install door sweeps under exterior doors and garage doors to block rodent entry.

Deep Clean & Disinfect Key Areas

Pests are drawn to even the smallest food remnants, grease build-up, and general kitchen clutter. To minimise the risk of infestation, make it a habit to clean key problem areas regularly. Start with the kitchen floor—crumbs often accumulate in corners and under cabinets. Then move to high-risk zones behind appliances like stoves, ovens, and refrigerators, where food debris and grease often go unnoticed. Don’t forget pantry shelves and food cabinets, which can harbor spills and open packaging. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles and allergens effectively. Follow up with a strong disinfectant on all surfaces to eliminate bacteria and remove scent trails that attract pests.

✅ Pro Tip: Use enzyme-based cleaners to break down pest-attracting residues.

Store Food & Pet Food Securely

To prevent pest access to food sources, store all dry goods, cereals, grains, and pet food in airtight, rodent-proof containers made of heavy-duty plastic or metal. Avoid using flimsy packaging or leaving bags open, as rodents can easily chew through them. Never leave pet food or water bowls out overnight, as they can attract pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately, especially around feeding areas, to avoid creating a reliable food source for pests.

✅ Pro Tip: Elevate pantry storage at least 15 cm off the floor.

Handle Firewood with Care

Never stack firewood directly against your home—doing so creates a perfect hiding spot for termites, ants, and rodents. Store wood on an elevated rack at least 5 metres away from exterior walls to reduce the risk of infestation.

✅ Pro Tip: Use a weatherproof tarp to shield the pile and discourage pests from nesting inside.

Add Door Sweeps & Weather Stripping

Weatherproofing keeps warm air in and pests out. Replace worn strips and install sweeps to reduce air leaks and unwanted intruders.

✅ Pro Tip: Use foam or rubber strips for a tight seal around garage and basement doors.

Reduce Moisture in the Home

Pests thrive in damp areas. Fix leaks, unclog gutters, and use dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and laundries.

✅ Pro Tip: Install a humidity sensor to maintain levels below 60%

Inspect Holiday Decorations Before Bringing Them Inside

Stored décor can hide spiders, moths, and silverfish. Unpack outdoors and give items a quick inspection.

✅ Pro Tip: Use sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard to deter nesting.

Maintain Garden & Landscaping

Trim back shrubs, branches, and overgrown vegetation near your home’s walls. This reduces pathways for ants and rodents to enter.

✅ Pro Tip: Avoid mulch beds touching your home’s foundation—they attract termites.

Monitor Attics, Basements & Crawlspaces

These often-forgotten areas can host pests year-round. Check for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and odours.

✅ Pro Tip: Install motion sensors or smart pest monitors to detect hidden activity.

Secure Chimneys & Vents

Install chimney caps and mesh screens to block birds, squirrels, and wasps. Ensure dryer vents and bathroom exhausts are sealed properly.

✅ Pro Tip: Check for signs of nesting and recheck screens after storms.

Use Smart Home Tech for Pest Detection

Integrate motion-activated cameras, smart traps, and leak sensors to track activity. Alerts can notify you when conditions are ripe for infestation.

✅ Pro Tip: Pair with temperature sensors to detect warm pest-attracting spots.

Partner with a Professional Pest Control Provider

A licensed pest technician can identify risks you may overlook and apply safe, targeted winter treatments.

✅ Pro Tip: Book seasonal inspections—especially if you’ve had pest issues in previous winters.

Common Winter Pest Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned homeowners can make small missteps that invite pests indoors. Avoid these common errors to strengthen your winter pest defence:

Leaving Pet Food Out Overnight
Rodents and cockroaches are drawn to the scent. Always store food in sealed containers and clean bowls before bed.
Ignoring Minor Leaks or Drips
Small plumbing issues can create damp environments ideal for silverfish, ants, and cockroaches.
Storing Firewood Too Close to the House
Keeping woodpiles against your exterior walls provides pests with direct access indoors.
Blocking Vents Without Screening
While blocking drafts is smart, unventilated attics or crawlspaces can trap moisture and attract insects.
Skipping Winter Pest Inspections
Just because you don’t see pests doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Winter is when many infestations begin unnoticed.

✅ Pro Tip: Make seasonal pest-proofing part of your winter maintenance checklist to avoid costly infestations later.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t mean pests disappear—it means they get sneakier. Taking proactive steps now helps safeguard your home, health, and peace of mind through every season.

Need help getting started? Contact your local pest experts to create a winter defence plan that works for your property.

Looking for trusted winter pest control?

Reach out to Knockdown Pest Control for tailored cold-season pest solutions. Their licensed team uses eco-safe methods and advanced tools to keep your home pest-free, no matter the weather.

Visit Knockdown Pest Control to book your winter inspection today!