Now that the holiday season is over you may think you are safe from hosting house guests for a while. But you might already have some unannounced visitors living under your roof you don’t even know about.

Insects and other pests aren’t top-of-mind during winter months, but this chilly season is actually a prime time for bugs to move into your home. There are qualities of your house (both within and out of your control) that can attract bugs indoors. We’re sharing which issues you can do something about and which factors you may need some extra help with.

5 bug magnets in your home

1. Shelter – When temperatures drop some insects enter a state similar to hibernation (called diapause), some die, and others seek shelter in warmer spaces—like your home. A temperature-controlled home is the perfect place for a bug to take up residence when the weather turns cold. Since you won’t be turning down the heat, the best action you can take to protect your home from insects and other pests is securing all possible gaps or entry points into your house—a process known as exclusion.
2. Food – Colder weather also means less natural food sources for bugs. They will search for alternate nourishment and the crumbs on your floors and countertops are the perfect remedy. Make sure your living spaces are clean and crumb-free and do not leave dishes in the sink overnight. Don’t forget to keep garage floors clean as well—it can be easy for a stray french fry or soda cup to spill out of the car and onto the garage floor. This is the perfect invitation for bugs and pests to make their way into your house.
3. Kids – Kids can bring home colds and GI bugs from school and they can also bring home the creepy crawly kind. Bed bugs can easily hitchhike a ride to school on a child’s backpack or coat, which is usually hung up in a line of other backpacks and coats. If your child’s classroom has reported a bed bug issue, put all of your child’s clothes into the washer/dryer each day when they come home from school and bag and regularly clean coats and backpacks.
4. Drains – Sinks and drains can trap food particles, bacteria, and other debris that attract bugs. Check and clean all sinks and drains regularly throughout winter months, including laundry room utility sinks and basement floor drains that can be easily overlooked.
5. Gaps – Although warmth, food, and moisture all attract bugs and pests into your home, they can only enter if they have access. Gaps in siding, window and door seals, and roofing all provide opportunity for bugs to move in. Securing all entry points is the only way to keep pests out.

Pest prevention

There are actions you can take to help keep your home bug-free:

1. Tidy up

•    Keep floors and countertops free of food and crumbs

•    Do not leave stacks of paper / paper bags / or laundry around the house (all offer ideal spots for bugs to nest)

•    Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink

•    Keep pet food in airtight containers and off the floor

2. Inspect

•    Regularly check sink drains for cleanliness and the presence of bugs

•    Check the perimeter of your home, doors, and windows, for cracks and gaps that insects could enter through

3. Exclusion

Secure and seal any gaps you find from the outdoors into your home. This can include replacing weather stripping around doors or caulking around pipes and wires that run into your home from outside. A-1 Able Pest Doctors offers a professional exclusion service that includes a comprehensive inspection of your home and sealing all entry points discovered.

The warmth and coziness of your home is something you should enjoy in the winter, without the presence of bugs. If you have spotted insects or other pests in your home and need to have your home treated—or if you want to be proactive and schedule an exclusion service—call A-1 Able Pest Doctors at (800) 737-8189.