How to protect your property from winter pests

Discover expert tips on winter pest prevention for homes and businesses. Learn how to protect your property and stop rodents, insects, and other winter pests before they invade .

As the temperatures drop outside, many of us retreat indoors to cosy up by a warm fire. But guess what? We’re not the only ones seeking warmth and shelter during the colder months. This is the prime time for pests to be on the move, trying to escape the winter chill. Mice, rats, spiders, cockroaches, and even cluster flies see your space as the perfect winter retreat.

At UPC group we’ve been dealing with winter pest problems for over 20 years. Our expert technicians know exactly what to look for, how to handle infestations efficiently, and most importantly, how to prevent them before they even start. Have a read of our ultimate guide to preventing winter pests.  Our expert knowledge will talk you through the most common winter pests, how to spot early signs of infestation, and top tips on how to keep them out for good.

The most common Winter Pests

When most insects disappear in the cold, others are just getting started indoors. Here’s a look at the usual suspects:

• Rodents (Mice and Rats): Perhaps the most common winter pests. They sneak in through tiny gaps, looking for warmth and food.
• Cockroaches: Hardy survivors that seek warmth, especially in kitchens and boiler rooms.
• Spiders: Often harmless but can become unwelcome guests as they hunt for other insects indoors.
• Cluster Flies: These large, slow-moving flies gather in attics and upper windows for warmth.
• Silverfish & Earwigs: Moist, dark places like bathrooms and basements are their winter hideouts.

While summer brings visible pest activity like buzzing bees and marching ants which create problems both indoors and outdoors, winter is a different story. Cold-weather pests will do anything to get inside.  Not only are they quieter and stealthier, but they also often go unnoticed until they start causing costly damage to your property.

Get Ahead of Winter Pests with Early Action

It might be tempting to ignore the odd scratching sound and deal with it later or ignore the odd insect here and there. But the biggest problem with pests is when theres one, there’s usually a lot more!   Acting early to eliminate these pests from your property can save you significant hassle, damage, and cost in the long run.  Pests are not only guilty of scaring the life out of us, they also cause both structural, electrical and health problems if left alone.

• Rodents –  they chew through wires, insulation, and even plumbing which poses serious fire and flood risks.
• Cockroaches –  they contaminatefood, surfaces, and can trigger asthma or allergies.
• Spiders and insects – they may not cause damage, but their presence is unsettling and can very quickly affect your reputation as a business.

The bottom line is that early action is prevention. And prevention is always cheaper, cleaner, and far less stressful than dealing with a full-blown infestation.  You know the saying – prevention is better than cure and it could not be more relevant when it comes to winter pest problems.

Our expert tips for winter pest prevention

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for: the expert tips. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, these strategies are your first line of defence.

1. Seal Up Gaps and Cracks

Rodents can squeeze through holes the size of a coin. Inspect your property’s exterior—especially around pipes, vents, and doors and seal any cracks with weather-resistant sealant.

2. Seal gaps around doors and windows

A surprising amount of heat escapes under doors and pests sneak in the same way. Add or replace worn door sweeps and install weather stripping on windows and exterior doors.

3. Keep Firewood Stored Away from the Building

Firewood piles are cozy shelters for mice, spiders, and insects. Keep them away from your building and elevate them off the ground.

4. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can cause water to collect and attract pests like cockroaches and other insects not to mention a whole host of other problems like water damage.  Regular cleaning is the only way to prevent this.

5. Manage Rubbish and Compost Bins

Ensure bins are tightly sealed and emptied regularly. Organic waste is a buffet for rats and other pests. For businesses, consider a more frequent waste collection schedule during winter.

6. Declutter Indoors

Basements, lofts, and storage areas often become cluttered during winter. Rodents and insects love to nest in undisturbed piles of cardboard, paper, or fabric. Keep areas tidy and use sealed plastic bins for storage and make sure you empty them regularly.

7. Don’t miss a trick – check for signs weekly

Keep an eye out for droppings, chew marks, greasy smears along baseboards, nests, or unusual odours. Even small signs can point to a growing problem.

8. Maintain the Garden and Perimeter

Trim bushes, trees, and any foliage touching your building. Overgrown vegetation gives pests an easy route indoors. Also, remove any leaf piles where insects and rodents can nest.

9. Keep Kitchens and Food Storage Clean

Whether it’s your home kitchen or a commercial facility, food crumbs and spills attract pests fast. Clean behind appliances, check for leaks under sinks, and store food in airtight containers.  Rodents search for food in winter and the pest problem can soon get out of hand, especially in commercial properties.

10. Install Screens on Vents and Chimneys

Don’t forget these easy entry points! Mesh screens over vents, chimneys, and air bricks keep out unwanted guests without compromising airflow.

Calling in the Experts: Your Winter Pest Rescue Plan

So, you have followed our top tips for winter pest prevention, and you may still need some help to banish those stubborn pests. After all, DIY prevention will only work for so long when dealing with such determined creatures!

Here’s when to pick up the phone and call in the experts:

• You see droppings or gnaw marks and can’t locate the source.
• There’s recurring activity despite your efforts to block entry points.
• You hear scratching in the walls or ceilings, especially at night.
• You find a nest (rodent, wasp, or insect).
• You’re a business with health and safety standards to meet.  This is when prevention isn’t an option – you need to rest assured that your premises is pest free. 

UPC group provides both reactive and preventative pest control solutions meaning that we can deal with your problems on any time scale. Our experienced technicians can assess your property, identify weak spots, and implement effective treatments to protect your space all winter long.

Make sure pests are left out in the cold this winter

Winter should be a time for quality time spent together enjoying the warmth of your home, not spent worrying about uninvited guests making a nuisance of themselves (yes, we are talking about the rodents here not your great aunts and uncles that have made an impromptu visit!)

Likewise, as a business you are providing a service throughout a tricky time of year and no matter what the weather the show must go on.  So, whether you’re protecting your family at home or keeping your business pest free for your customers and staff, expert winter pest prevention is essential.

With a little foresight and a proactive approach, most winter pest issues can be prevented entirely. And when things do get a little hairy (or scratchy) we’re here to help with expert advice, fast response, and proven treatments by experienced technicians so that you can deal with the important things over the winter, especially the festive period!

Protect your property from winter pests today

If you’re looking to protect your home or business this winter, don’t wait until you see the signs. Contact us today for a free survey and let us protect your property from winter pests.