As fall and winter bring colder temperatures, the warm interior of your home can provide shelter, breeding spaces and access to nourishment for household pests. Any pest invasion—flies, rodents, squirrels, wasps, ants and various bugs—can cause property damage as well as health and safety hazards for any homeowner. Keep the following tips in mind when working to keep pests out of your home.
- Have a pest control service visit your home quarterly (every 3-4 months) to spray around your foundation and in other areas where pest infestations are likely to occur.
- Use poisons or various traps to catch and kill larger pests like mice, rats, squirrels and moles. Humane traps, which allow you to catch the pests for release, are also available.
- Practice proper food hygiene. Pests might not only feed on improperly stored, spoiled or discarded food, but also might be attracted to mold growth, live plants, human waste, cooking residue and trash.
- Check and maintain the seals around all entry points of the home. These might include not only door and window seals,but also those around your foundation, eaves, gutters, air-conditioning system and washer/dryer vents.
- Have structural damage repaired promptly. Cracks in the foundation, damage to walls and roof disrepair could all create entryways for pests. Remember, though a crack might only appear in the home’s interior, that doesn’t mean a pest won’t be able to find a way in.
- Store your trash a safe distance from the house and always keep the lids closed on the bins. Periodically wash out the bins so that they don’t accumulate grime and mold.
- Flush your drains regularly to clear them of clogs, debris and dirt. If left to accumulate, drain grime can prove a perfect breeding ground for larvae and other pests.
A Note About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are blood-sucking pests that can infest linens and bedding. With so much fabric in your household, it could be easy for a bed bug infestation to get out of hand. By regularly laundering all fabrics, vacuuming carpets and safely storing linens,you can reduce the risk of a bed bug outbreak.
Contact INSURICA for more personal lines insurance solutions.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information provided herein is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should it be construed as advice regarding coverage. Eligibility for coverage is not guaranteed and all coverages are limited to the terms and conditions contained in the applicable policy. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Form 5500 Filing Season: What Employers Should Review Before July 31
As mid-year approaches, employers sponsoring benefit plans should begin preparing for upcoming Form 5500 filing obligations. For many calendar-year plans, Form 5500 filings are due by July 31, making June an ideal time to confirm whether filing requirements apply and ensure needed information is being gathered.
Pharmacy Costs Are Surging Again — What Employers Can Actually Do in 2026
Pharmacy spending is once again the fastest growing component of employer health plans. Specialty drugs now account for more than half of total pharmacy spend, and GLP 1 medications for diabetes and weight management are reshaping budgets. Employers are feeling the pressure: rising premiums, unpredictable claims, and employee expectations for access to high cost therapies.
Self Funding for Small and Mid Sized Employers: Why 2026 Is the Breakout Year
Self funding is no longer just for large employers. In 2026, small and mid sized businesses are embracing level funded and partially self funded plans at record rates. Rising premiums, greater access to stop loss coverage, and improved data analytics are making self funding a viable option for groups as small as 25–50 employees.