To keep pests out this winter, store belongings in airtight bins, clear away porch decorations and clutter, seal sweets, close up entry points, fix moisture problems and schedule a professional inspection before rodents settle in.
Cold weather doesn’t make pests disappear; it sends many of them looking for shelter, and a warm house is an easy target. Rodents look for gaps into walls, attics and basements, while insects such as boxelder bugs and cluster flies, along with spiders, look for protected places to spend the winter, according to Montana State University Extension’s guide to fall home invaders. Saela Pest Control, a residential and commercial pest control company based in Orem, Utah, put together the seven tips below to help keep them out. Our article on where pests go in the winter explains what happens to common pests when temperatures drop.
The busy stretch between Halloween and the new year is when many homes get their first winter visitors. The seven tips below are simple, inexpensive steps that strengthen your first line of defense.
Most of them come down to the same idea that guides integrated pest management: reduce the food, water and shelter pests need, and close the gaps they use to get in.
1. Use Airtight Storage Containers
Airtight storage bins keep rodents and insects from turning stored holiday decorations, clothes and paper into shelter or nesting material. Cardboard boxes in a garage, attic or basement are much easier for pests to get into than sealed plastic. When you shop for plastic bins, check the bottom and sides, since some have ventilation holes that let pests inside.
2. Remove Pumpkins and Decorations from Your Porch
Clear away pumpkins, gourds and fall decorations once the season ends, because food left by the door can draw rodents and insects close to the house. Decorations stacked against the siding also give pests shelter right next to an entry point. Compost or discard pumpkins well away from the home.
3. Store Sweets and Food in Sealed Containers
Holiday sweets and pantry foods attract both insects and rodents, so keep them in sealed containers rather than open bags or boxes. The CDC’s guide to sealing up against rodents recommends storing food in sealed containers with tight lids, washing dishes promptly and putting pet food away after use. Wipe up crumbs and spills the same day.
4. Declutter Your Living Space
Clutter gives pests sheltered places to hide and nest, both inside and around the house. Montana State recommends keeping woodpiles and debris away from the house, and the CDC advises moving woodpiles well away from the home and raising them off the ground. Inside, keep basements, garages and closets organized so you can spot droppings or damage early.
5. Seal Points of Entry
Sealing gaps matters most for rodents, because the CDC notes that mice can fit through a hole the width of a pencil. Check around doors, windows, utility lines, vents, soffits and the gap where the foundation meets the ground; the CDC suggests steel wool with caulk for small holes and hardware cloth, metal or cement for larger ones. Montana State also recommends repairing screens, installing door sweeps and sealing dryer vents. Our rodent prevention guide covers more entry points to check.
6. Eliminate Moisture Where Possible
Pests need water as well as food and shelter, so fixing moisture problems makes a home less inviting. Clear clogged gutters and drains, repair leaky pipes under sinks and around water heaters, and make sure bathroom and laundry vents work properly. Damp basements and crawl spaces are worth checking after winter storms.
7. Hire a Professional for Winter Pest Control
A professional inspection finds the entry points and conditions that are easy to miss on your own. Every Saela plan includes a 50+ point property inspection that covers entry points, attics and basements. If rodents are already inside, Saela’s rodent exclusion service inspects for access points, repairs openings and places traps for rodents still inside.
In a February 2024 Google review, Vincent Rose wrote, “The representative did his check and set traps. Fast and easy with no problem.” Saela’s Kansas City, Missouri location is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2,795 Google reviews as of October 2026, and its pricing page explains how plans are quoted.
Saela provides residential and commercial pest control, including rodent, mosquito, flea and bed bug services. Its Orem, Utah headquarters holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
To get ahead of winter pests, book a call with Saela and schedule an inspection.
To learn more about how Saela works, see why homeowners choose Saela.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
