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homeowner cleaning fall leaves to winterize home foundation

How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter Pest Control

Posted on November 29, 2025

Most people think pest control ends when summer does — but cold weather doesn’t stop bugs from looking for shelter. Once the temperature drops, your home’s foundation, garage, and basement start looking pretty inviting. A little prep this fall goes a long way in keeping everything outside where it belongs.

Why Pests Move Indoors When It Gets Cold

When nights turn chilly, pests start heading indoors to stay warm. Ants and spiders crawl toward the foundation, cockroaches make their way toward moisture near pipes, and even rodents look for spots to build nests. Add in damp leaves and clutter around the yard, and it’s an open invitation.

ants moving coming into the house through rotted window hole

These fall visitors aren’t just annoying — they can cause damage or trigger allergies if they get inside. The sooner you take care of them, the easier it is to keep them from settling in all winter.

Yard Cleanup Steps to Deter Pests

A tidy yard goes a long way toward keeping bugs from moving in. A few quick cleanup steps can make your property way less appealing:

  • Bag up leaves and debris instead of letting them pile up against the foundation.
  • Clear gutters to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Trim shrubs and branches that touch the house — pests use them as bridges.
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and off the ground.

homeowner sealing potential entryway for pests before winter

Little steps like these cut down hiding spots and keep pests from staging up close to the house.

Sealing Up Entry Points Around the Home

Even a tiny gap is all a pest needs. Walk around your home and look for cracks or openings near:

  • Window and door frames
  • Foundation edges
  • Dryer vents
  • Utility lines

Seal gaps with caulk or weather-stripping where needed. It helps with pest prevention and keeps warm air inside — a win either way.

Why Winter Perimeter Treatments Make a Difference

DIY prevention helps, but professional treatments lock in the results. Scheduling a
Perimeter Pest Control service before winter builds a protective barrier around your home that helps reduce pest activity through the colder months.

It’s not about fighting a current infestation — it’s about stopping one before it starts. Treating in late fall protects your yard now and sets you up for a smoother spring.

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