During the winter months, it’s common for you to open your doors to friends and family.

But as the temperature drops, your home may become a destination for insects and rodents fleeing colder weather and looking for food. That makes your home an attractive option.

Learn how to clear your home of bugs and rodents.

What are the signs of an infestation?

If insects or rodents have set up camp in your home, there will be signs. Dead insect bodies found in the home are a good indicator of an infestation, especially if you’re finding them in great numbers. Lots of spider webs are as well.

Rodents, meanwhile, will leave droppings behind wherever they go. You may also find bags of food torn open or signs of teeth marks around the house.

What can make a home attractive to pests?

Some homes are more attractive to pests and rodents than others. Wood foundations are attractive to termites, while easy access to sugar is attractive to ants and wasps. Rodents, meanwhile, are interested in nearly any food that’s close to the ground and easily accessible. Removing these temptations each season is a good idea.

Some homes are more attractive to pests and rodents than others. Wood foundations are attractive to termites, while easy access to sugar is attractive to ants and wasps. Rodents, meanwhile, are interested in nearly any food that’s close to the ground and easily accessible. Removing these temptations each season is a good idea.

Where did they come from in the first place?

Eliminating pests from your home has little benefit if you don’t reduce their ability to come back. Inspect your home and see if you can determine where they gained access. Is there a hole in the foundation? A broken window or an area around an exterior pipe that needs to be caulked?

Solving this problem will make it more difficult for pests to gain access to your home next year. It could also save you money on your heating bills.

I have a pest problem. What did I do wrong?

Once you’ve determined that you have an infestation, it’s time to cut the clutter. A cluttered home gives insects and rodents plenty of places to nest or hide. It can also give them easy access to the things that drew them to your house in the first place. Cleaning your home provides less incentive for pests to linger or to come in the first place.

How to get rid of pests

If your problem still persists after you’ve cut the clutter and put food in safe storage, you may need to take more aggressive action. Hiring a licensed exterminator can eliminate your pest problem. If you’re looking for a more natural way to eliminate unwanted visitors, here are some ideas:

• Ants: Spices such as chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, dried peppermint or tartar have all been proven to repel ants when placed near their entrance holes. Coffee grounds and lemon juice can also do the trick. Learn more about preventing ants.
• Wasps: Nonessential oil sprays can dissuade wasps from setting up shop. It’s also imperative that you identify and destroy the nest or fill it with dirt before it gets too big.
• Mice or rats: Mouse traps and catch-and-release traps can mitigate your existing problem. Sealing the holes and storing food in sealed locations can prevent new mice from entering. Get more tips for keeping mice out of your home.
• Cockroaches: One of the world’s heartiest pests actually hates bay leaves. Placing them in areas where roaches are drawn to (typically areas with food or standing water) will dissuade them from coming back. Borax has also proven to be effective.
• Termites: Keeping wooden structures and wood piles away from your home reduces your risk of infestation. Borax, neem tree oil and orange oil have are also effective repellents for termites. Find out the telltale signs of a termite infestation.

Generally speaking, damage from pests is not covered by your homeowners insurance. That’s because pest infestations are considered a home maintenance issue, since the damage is gradual – as opposed to a sudden event, like your neighbor’s tree falling on your roof.

An insurance professional like an Whitbeck Insurance agent can help you understand what your insurance does (and doesn’t) cover. Find a local agent in your neighborhood to ask questions or get a customized homeowners insurance quote.

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Whitbeck Insurance Exchange, Whitbeck Insurance Company, Whitbeck Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Whitbeck Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Whitbeck Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time. 

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. 

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Whitbeck Insurance Agency can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.