Updated October 10, 2025Â
Winter pest-proofing guide
The simple winter plan to block entry points, cut moisture and stop quiet nesting before spring.
TL;DR: Seal gaps, dry leaks, declutter, store food sealed, clean natural fibers before storage, set target-specific traps and monitor weekly. Winter is the easiest time to get ahead.
How to use this guide: Start with the quick checklist, then go room by room.
Quick winter pest-proofing checklist
- Seal exterior gaps: Caulk trim, pipes, vents; ensure tight door sweeps
- Repair screen tears; Replace worn door sweeps immediately
- Declutter storage; Lift boxes off floors; Use sealed bins
- Fix all leaks; Run fans in damp rooms; Empty drip pans
- Store food in lidded bins; Wipe all crumbs; Rinse containers before recycling
- Clean wool/silk before storing; Place fresh cedar in closets
- Set target-specific traps where activity is likely; Monitor frequently
Banishing pests from your sanctuary
Many winter pests hide quietly in closets, cabinets, basements and baths. Out of sight doesn’t mean gone. Use these quick checks and simple fixes now.
1. Closets: protect fabrics
Do: clean and fully dry garments before storage, vacuum shelves and baseboards, reduce clutter, add Cedar Planks
Why: clothing moths favor undisturbed, soiled natural fibers
Monitor: place Clothing Moth Traps, as directed, to catch and track activity; check weekly and replace per the label
Related reading: Where do clothing moths live? · Where do clothing moths come from?
2. Kitchen cabinets and under the sink: remove food & moisture
Do: wipe shelves, store dry goods in sealed containers, fix drips, dry sink and disposal collars, rinse recyclables before binning
Why: ants and roaches follow food residues and moisture; silverfish like damp, dark spots; pantry moths target accessible grains, nuts and other dry goods
Monitor: place Pantry Moth Traps if you notice webbing, clumped food or small moths near shelves, as directed
Optional helper: For contact kill, use Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray as directed. In fruit zones, set Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap near produce or compost caddies if activity appears.
Related reading: 6 most common bugs in your kitchen · How to repel ants with essential oils
3. Basements: reduce hiding spots & damp
Do: elevate storage on shelves or pallets, switch to tight-lidded bins, run a dehumidifier or fans, tidy cardboard piles
Why: clutter and humidity create easy shelter for roaches, ants and web-building spiders
Monitor: check corners, joists and behind appliances for webs or droppings and clean routinely
Related reading: How to quickly get rid of American and German cockroaches · How to protect your home from spiders
4. Outdoor sheds: block entry & simplify clutter
Do: seal gaps with exterior-grade caulk, trim vegetation off walls and keep a vegetation-free band, tidy shelves and keep items off the floor, ensure airflow, inspect after storms, apply Six Feet Under Barricade Household Insect Kit as directed at door thresholds and wall-to-foundation seams, use Six Feet Under for contact kill as directed, hire a licensed professional for large or active wasp nests
Why: sheds are exposed and quiet—prime for nesting or overwintering; sealing, decluttering, airflow and a labeled perimeter band reduce harborage and entry points
Monitor: walk the perimeter monthly and after storms; look for frass, webbing, paper or mud nests and new gaps at sweeps and seams; refresh treatments per label and keep the vegetation-free band clear
Optional helper: plant a clean perimeter (e.g., lavender, mint, basil) to reduce harborage and keep inspection paths clear. Treat plants as landscaping that makes the area less inviting—not as your primary barrier.
Field note:
One summer I heard heavy buzzing around a neighbor’s shed. A wasp nest was forming under the eaves. After the nest was handled safely, we sealed entry gaps, cleared clutter and kept a vegetation-free band so new nests were easier to spot. The difference the next season was noticeable.
5. Laundry room: cut humidity & lintÂ
Do: vent dryers properly, empty lint traps and a small bin for lint, keep floors clear of damp laundry, retrieve items from behind/under the dryer, spot-treat with Six Feet Under for contact kill as directed
Why: firebrats and silverfish thrive where warm, humid air meets paper and fabric; lint and clutter provide cover and food
Monitor: during weekly cleaning check baseboards, corners, and behind machines for shed skins, droppings, or live insects; fix leaks or condensation promptly
Related reading:Â Bugs that look like silverfish
6. Bedrooms: keep it crumb-free
Do: make bedrooms a no-snack zone, launder bedding on a schedule, minimize under-bed clutter
Why: food residues attract foraging ants and roaches; clear floors simplify checks
Monitor: inspect nightstands, baseboards and under beds weekly; if bed bugs are suspected, seek a comprehensive approach from a professional—Six Feet Under provides contact kill only
Related reading: What bugs look like bed bugs · Can I sleep in a bed with bed bugs?
7. Bathrooms: fix leaks & wipe residuesÂ
Do: repair drips and running fixtures, dry sinks/tubs/counters, use a hamper and remove damp towels, clean up sweet spills like mouthwash or syrups
Why: moisture invites silverfish and roaches; sticky residues are attractants
Monitor:Â check under-sink areas, behind the toilet, and along baseboards weekly; keep the room dry and ventilated and address signs promptly
Related reading: Why are bugs attracted to my bathroom?
