As the chill sets in and temperatures drop across the Jersey Shore, pests will search for a warm place to ride out the winter. Many will try to choose your home, offering everything they need, such as heat, food, and shelter.
Our professionals recommend using November as the perfect time to pest-proof your home and do last-minute checks before winter if you haven’t already! This simple, step-by-step checklist from Potter Pest Control can help keep unwanted guests outside where they belong.
1. Check and Seal Gaps/Cracks Around Your Home
The smallest, unsuspecting openings can invite pests indoors. Here are some things to do to make sure you are keeping pests out:
- Inspect your doors, windows, vents, and utility lines.
- Seal small cracks using caulk or weather-resistant foam.
- Replace worn door sweeps and damaged weather stripping.
Be especially vigilant with your garage, basement, and attic. These are the top entry points for pests, especially rodents, in New Jersey homes.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are bad news for your roof, but can also become a haven for pests. Even when it’s cold outside, moisture attracts insects like ants, termites, and mosquitoes. Here are some things you can add to your winter checklist to make sure your home is protected:
- Clear out leaves and debris to prevent moisture buildup
- Make sure water flows away from your foundation
- Trim back branches that touch your roof or siding
3. Store Firewood the Right Way
We all love a cozy fire by the fireplace or around a fire pit, but firewood piles can be pest magnets if not stored properly.
- Store firewood away from your home, ideally at least 20 feet away
- Stack wood on a raised rack to keep it off the ground
- Bring in only what you plan to burn immediately
This prevents ants, spiders, and even rodents from hitching a ride indoors.
4. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
The fewer resources pests can utilize in and around your home, the less likely they’ll stick around. Here are some things to do:
- Store pantry and pet food in sealed containers
- Address leaky pipes or dripping faucets
- Sweep and vacuum regularly
- Move out your fridge and stove, and clean thoroughly underneath
These seemingly simple cleaning and storing habits can make all the difference.
5. Check Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces
The quietest and least trafficked areas in your home are where pests are most likely to settle.
- Look for droppings, gnawed wires, or shredded insulation
- Ensure vents have screens and cover any gaps with mesh
- Set up traps or monitoring stations
Early detection helps prevent severe damage later or out-of-control pest issues late into winter.
6. Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection with Potter Pest Control
Even the most meticulous homeowners can miss early signs of an infestation. That’s where our professionals at Potter Pest Control come in. Our team provides comprehensive pest prevention services across Monmouth and Ocean County, helping you identify entry points and stop pests before they settle in.
Our winterization services include:
- Rodent-proofing and exclusion
- Preventive treatments for overwintering insects
- Foundation and moisture inspections
Early detection helps prevent severe damage later or out-of-control pest issues late into winter.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Winter
A professional pest inspection and treatment ensures that your home stays safe and comfortable throughout the fall season. Contact us today to schedule your fall service. It’s never too late! Trusted, local, and family-owned, we’ve got your back to enjoy all the autumn fun and head into winter bite-free and pest-free.