Updated on September 17, 2024
As the chilly winds of winter set in, the buzzing, crawling and biting that plagued our summers and our homes seems to subside. Many insects hibernate; others die off with the changing seasons. But don't be fooled—these unwelcome guests will return with the spring's warmth, from overwintering adults to the next generation hatching anew, ready to reclaim your space as their own.
Yet, there's hope during the cold months. Celebrated novelist and author Paul Theroux once said, “Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” This rings true for pest control. Armed with Dr. Killigan’s room-by-room plan, you have the perfect opportunity to rid your home of pests for good, ensuring they don't return with the spring thaw.
Banishing pests from your sanctuary
Let's venture through each corner of your home where uninvited guests might lurk in the shadows. Remember, absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence. Many homeowners fall into the trap of thinking their pest problems have disappeared simply because they no longer see critters scurrying around. However, the truth is, these pests are biding their time. This is your golden opportunity—address these hidden hibernators now to prevent a full-blown invasion when they awaken.
We will look to target the most common insects: moths, roaches, spiders, ants, fruit flies, bees, wasps and bed bugs.
1. Closets: Securing your storage
Closets are not just spaces for hanging clothes; they are potential hotspots for pests, especially clothing moths. These pests can silently ruin your favorite cashmere sweater or wool scarf by munching through fabrics.
Regular maintenance like dusting and airing out closets specifically disrupts the lifecycle of clothing moths, preventing them from laying eggs and thriving in undisturbed areas. Seasonal clothing should be cleaned before storage, since moths are attracted to sweat and body oil residues on fabrics.
For added protection, incorporate Cedar Planks to naturally repel moths with the fresh scent of cedar. Additionally, placing Clothing Moth Traps in your closet can catch and monitor any moth activity without the use of harsh chemicals, helping you maintain a pest-free sanctuary for your apparel.
For further insight into all of the places that clothing moths may be lurking, read:
2. Kitchen cabinets and under the sink: Guarding your culinary corner
The spaces under your sink and inside your kitchen cabinets are critical zones for pest control. These dark, undisturbed areas not only attract cockroaches and silverfish due to moisture but also serve as a haven for pantry moths and ants, which are drawn to accessible food supplies.
To effectively guard these areas, focus on eliminating food particles and residue that can attract ants and roaches, known for spreading pathogens. Be vigilant about addressing water leaks and any signs of dampness immediately, as these conditions are ideal for pests like silverfish and cockroaches to thrive.
For protection against fruit flies attracted to decaying fruit, place Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap near susceptible areas. To combat a broader range of pests—including ants, cockroaches and silverfish—spray Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray inside cabinets and under the sink. Its non-toxic formula provides a residual effect that lasts up to 30 days. Additionally, in your pantry, deploy Pantry Moth Traps to specifically target and prevent infestations of these persistent pests.
For insights on identifying and managing the most common bugs in your kitchen, read:
3. Basements: Battling bugs below
Imagine descending into your basement to retrieve holiday decorations, only to find a spider has spun its web across your storage boxes. Roaches might skitter out from under old furniture, a reminder that these dark, moist environments are their preferred battlegrounds.
In the basement, where darkness and moisture meet, be particularly cautious of roaches and ants, which seek out these conditions to establish hidden nests. Mobile and opportunistic, roaches and ants scour for food far from their nests, which they might establish in your basement's secluded corners. Spiders, on the other hand, tend to stay put, setting up their webs and patiently waiting for prey to venture too close. The bite of a spider, while rare, reminds us of their quiet but menacing presence.
Pests thrive in damp, chaotic environments where they can hide undetected. Use racks, shelves or pallets to elevate items off the floor to prevent water damage and reduce hiding spots for pests. Commit to a routine of regular decluttering.
4. Outdoor sheds Fortifying your outdoor storage
Outdoor sheds often resemble basements with their propensity for clutter and neglect, yet they face unique pest challenges due to their direct exposure to the outdoors. These structures are magnets for flying insects like bees and wasps.
One summer, while tending a neighbor’s garden during their holiday, I heard an unusual buzzing around their outdoor shed. As a keen lover and student of bugs, I took it upon myself to investigate. To my astonishment, a massive wasps' nest was forming under the eaves. After safely managing the situation, I surrounded the shed with lavender and other repellent plants. Upon their return, I advised them to seal off any potential entry points—advice that is crucial for any shed owner.
Surround your shed with plants like lavender, basil, mint and tea tree, which serve as natural repellents due to their strong scents that pests generally dislike. Additionally, apply Six Feet Under Barricade Household Insect Kit around the shed’s perimeter to create a strong barrier against insect intrusion. Ensuring your shed is well-ventilated will also help prevent the moist conditions that attract bugs, while sealing any cracks and gaps with clear, exterior-grade caulk can block potential entry points.
5. Laundry room: Clearing clutter and curbing humidity
Laundry rooms naturally accumulate humidity, which, coupled with piles of laundry, dryer lint and the occasional sock lost behind the dryer, can create an inviting environment for pests. High moisture areas are particularly appealing to insects like firebrats and silverfish, which thrive in damp conditions and can degrade textiles and other stored items. Keep your laundry room dry and well-ventilated to protect your fabrics from these moisture-loving pests, ensuring that your clothing and linens remain free from damage.
Use a wastebasket to dispose of dryer lint and used dryer sheets promptly. Encourage household members to keep the floor clear of damp or unwashed clothing, as this reduces clutter and lessens the likelihood of mold growth, another attractant for bugs. Additionally, applying Six Feet Under in and around laundry areas can help safeguard against these pests by providing a residual barrier.
For insights on how mold can invite unwanted insect guests, read:/p>
6. Bedrooms: Ensuring your sleep space is safe
While you might think your bedroom is a safe haven, personal habits can significantly influence whether it becomes a sanctuary or a hotspot for pests.
Ants and roaches are attracted to food remnants, so habitual snacking in bed can invite these pests into your sleeping quarters. The simplest solution is to declare your bedroom a no-food and no-drink zone. Leaving behind even a half-empty soda can or a pizza crust can turn your room into a repeat destination for these unwelcome guests.
Bed bugs present a different challenge; they are often brought home from other locations or inherited from previous occupants. While Six Feet Under can effectively kill bed bugs on contact, it is not a comprehensive treatment for infestations. For more detailed information on identifying and dealing with bed bugs, check out:
- What bugs look like bed bugs
- Bed bug poop: An often overlooked way to detect bed bugs
- Can I sleep in a bed with bed bugs?
Regularly washing your bedding—including sheets, comforters and pillows—will also help reduce the risk of pest intrusions.
7. Bathrooms: Fortifying your freshest rooms
In bathrooms, promptly repair any leaks to deter pests like silverfish and cockroaches, which are attracted to the humidity and can spread quickly in such conditions.
Make a habit of not leaving clothing lying around on the bathroom floor—using a hamper for dirty clothes can help—and be sure to wash these clothes regularly. Like in the kitchen, it's crucial to monitor for any leaks and repair them immediately to avoid creating a hospitable environment for pests. Be diligent about cleaning up spills, especially of sweet substances like mouthwash, toothpaste and medicine.
For insights into why bugs might be attracted to your bathroom and tips on keeping them away, read:
You don’t have to wait for spring cleaning to ensure your home is prepared for pest activity. By maintaining cleanliness throughout the off-season, you can effectively prevent pests from finding attractive conditions in your home when they emerge from hibernation. Remember, cleanliness is not just about aesthetics—it's a key strategy in pest prevention.
