St. Louis homeowners know the drill. One day, you are enjoying a mild November afternoon, but overnight, temperatures plummet. But while you are cranking up the furnace and pulling out winter coats, uninvited guests are looking for their own warm refuge, right inside your home. The Gateway City’s fluctuating fall temperatures are the perfect storm for pest invasions. Mice squeeze through dream foundation cracks, spiders mysteriously claim corners of the basement, and cockroaches cluster around water heaters.
It would have been a shocking insight provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation, but rodent complaints in St. Louis County surged by nearly 40% between October and December. However, the good news is that a little bit of preparation can go a long way. Taking action now means no surprises later. Additionally, if you have a preexisting issue or want peace of mind, pointepestcontrol.com can help identify vulnerabilities that you might otherwise miss.
Why the First Freeze Triggers Pest Activity
Not only does the first hard freeze kill off your garden plants, but it also sends pests scrambling. Insects and rodents are not built to withstand a St. Louis winter. Their natural food sources disappear, water freezes over, and outdoor shelters become seriously cold. Millions of pests die when winter comes to stay. Meanwhile, your home provides everything they need. It is warm, there are food crumbs in the pantry, and water is leaking from a pipe. Pests do not have to hibernate like bears; instead, they adapt to their environment. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and insects will enter through the footprint of your foundation.
Pest-Proofing Checklist for St. Louis Homeowners
- Seal foundation cracks and gaps: Fill any crack larger than 1/4 inch along the external base with silicone caulk or steel wool before another freeze-thaw cycle in St. Louis makes it even more extensive.
- Install door sweeps: Any gap under a door is a welcome sign for mice. Use door sweeps to create a tight seal and ensure that sweep installation is perfect on your basement and garage doors.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters, causing moisture near your home, can attract pests. To move water at least three feet away from your foundation.
- Store firewood properly: Keep piles at least 20 feet from your house and elevated off the ground. So, you can prevent spiders, ants, and rodents from entering your home.
Pests Most Likely to Invade St. Louis Homes Before Winter
Winter is fast approaching, and now is the time when most pests become active in preparation for the upcoming cold weather. In St. Louis, house mice are one of the worst cold-weather invaders, as they seek to establish their nesting materials in attics, basements, or wall voids while searching for food sources. The University of Missouri Extension research also shows that a single mouse can contaminate ten times the actual food it eats.
Other common winter invaders are:
- Brown recluse spiders: Missouri’s residents are not rare. They enter homes through darkness and remain undisturbed, for instance, in the closets and other storage spaces.
- Asian lady beetles: Retire near windows and hide during the fall period.
- German cockroaches: Prefer the kitchen and bathroom, where constant warmth and water flow are a guarantee.
- Boxelder bugs: Stay close to homes’ walls, particularly on the southern side, before entering through the little openings.
When to Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection
Professionals know precisely when to look for pests. Mid to late November is the first freeze in the St. Louis area. The sweet spot for inspections is late September through early October. This way, you have plenty of time to address any issues before the pests become desperate. Local companies like Peste Pest Control know the pests unique to St. Louis, and they know exactly where your home is most vulnerable. This includes crawl spaces that a home inspector may overlook, as well as foundation perimeters and attic vents.