Hoffman’s Exterminators offers expert tips to keep rodents, insects, and other winter invaders out of your home.
As temperatures drop across South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area, homeowners may be unwittingly inviting unwanted guests inside. Winter doesn’t just bring snow and cold — it also drives pests like rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other critters into houses in search of warmth, food, and shelter. Hoffman’s Exterminators is alerting local residents that now is the time to implement pest-proofing measures before the real cold sets in.
“Warm homes with accessible food and cozy hiding spots are magnets for winter pests,” says a spokesman for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Rodents such as mice and rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter and, once inside, can contaminate food, spread disease, and cause structural damage by gnawing on wires and insulation. Other overwintering pests — including spiders and overwintering insects like boxelder bugs — may also make their way indoors.
Top Tips for Winter Pest Prevention
Hoffman’s Exterminators recommends that homeowners take proactive steps to fortify their homes against winter pests:
- Seal Entry Points. Check the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps, and crevices, especially where utilities, pipes, and wires enter. Sealing these openings with caulk or weather-stripping helps keep rodents and insects out.
- Maintain a Clean, Clutter-Free Home. Pests are attracted to food sources and hiding spots. Store pantry items, pet food, and bird seed in airtight containers, and keep kitchens, basements, and storage areas clean and well organized. Regular vacuuming and trash removal also help eliminate pest attractants.
- Trim Vegetation and Manage Landscape. Overhanging branches and dense shrubs can serve as bridges for pests to access your roofline or walls. Keeping trees and bushes trimmed away from your home reduces opportunities for pests to enter.
- Repair Structural Weaknesses. Winter storms can damage siding, roofing, and foundation materials, creating new entry points for pests. Inspect your home for storm damage and repair loose mortar, worn weather-stripping, and deteriorated wood to maintain a strong barrier against invaders.
- Store Firewood Properly. Firewood stacked close to the home provides a perfect pathway for insects and rodents to move from wood piles directly into living spaces. Keep wood at least 20 feet from your home and raised off the ground.
Homeowners should also be alert for common warning signs of pest activity, including chewed materials, gnaw marks, droppings, nesting materials, or unusual noises in walls and attics. Since many pests are difficult to detect in early stages, early professional inspection can prevent costly damage later.
Trust Hoffman’s for Winter Pest Protection
Even with the best preventative efforts, pests may find their way into your home. Hoffman’s Exterminators offers experienced, licensed pest control solutions tailored for South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia homeowners. Whether you need a seasonal inspection, targeted treatment, or ongoing pest management, our team is ready to help safeguard your home this winter.
Call Hoffman’s Exterminators today at (856) 463-3628 to schedule your winter pest inspection, and keep unwanted pests from invading your home this season.
Follow Hoffman’s Facebook page for more pest control tips, advice and news.
Sources:
PestWorld.org How to Avoid a Winter Pest Invasion guest column (Bob Vila): https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/guest-columnists/the-winter-pest-invasion-defend-your-home-against-an-overlooked-threat/
NPMA press release on winter pests: https://www.pestworld.org/multimedia-center/press-releases/january-jitters-homeowners-brace-for-winter-pests/
PestWorld.org winter pest proofing tips: https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/keeping-the-home-pest-free-in-winter/
