As September rolls on in the North Bay, the evenings are getting cooler, and soon enough, many of us will be flipping the switch to turn on our furnaces for the first time this season. While that blast of warm air is a welcome comfort, it can also act as an unexpected invitation for certain pests. The changing temperatures outside signal to these critters that it’s time to find a cozy, sheltered spot for the coming colder months – and your home’s warmth is a powerful draw.
At North Point Pest Solutions, we want to help you anticipate these “warmth seekers” and prevent them from becoming unwelcome winter houseguests. Understanding which pests are looking for heat and how they get in is key to keeping your home truly comfortable this fall and winter.
Who’s Looking for a Warm Welcome?
When your furnace kicks on, it creates a warm environment that attracts a variety of pests that were once content outdoors.
- Rodents (Mice and Rats): These are perhaps the most common and problematic warmth-seeking invaders. They are incredibly adept at squeezing through tiny cracks and holes to reach the warmth and potential food sources inside your walls, attic, or basement.
- Spiders: While some spiders are already inside, many more will try to find a cozy spot to overwinter. They often follow the trails of other insects that are also seeking warmth.
- Cockroaches: While a year-round problem, the consistent warmth and humidity often found near heating units or in basements can create an ideal environment for them to thrive and expand their populations indoors.
- Occasional Invaders (Stink Bugs, Boxelder Bugs, Cluster Flies): These pests spend summer outdoors but will flock to the sunny, warm side of your house in the fall. Once the furnace starts, they are more likely to find their way into wall voids and then into your living space, emerging sluggishly throughout the winter.
Where Do They Get In?
Pests aren’t usually coming in through your furnace vents directly. Instead, they’re attracted by the overall warmth and use existing vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior to gain access. Common entry points include:
- Cracks and gaps in the foundation.
- Loose-fitting doors and windows.
- Unsealed areas around utility pipes, wires, and vents.
- Holes in screens or gaps around window-mounted AC units.
- Damaged roof vents or soffits that lead to your attic.
Your Proactive Defense Strategy
Before you fully commit to heating your home, take some time to pest-proof.
- Seal All Entry Points: This is the golden rule. Go around your home’s exterior and seal any cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and openings around utility lines with caulk or expanding foam. For larger gaps, use steel wool (rodents can’t chew through it) before sealing.
- Check Weather Stripping and Door Sweeps: Ensure that all exterior doors and windows have tight seals. Replace any worn weather stripping or install door sweeps.
- Clean Up the Perimeter: Remove leaf litter, firewood piles (move them away from the house), and other debris from around your foundation, which provide excellent hiding spots for pests.
- Address Moisture Issues: Fix any leaky pipes or faucets, both indoors and out. Pests are drawn to moisture.
When to Call the Experts
Even with the most diligent efforts, some pests are simply too resourceful to keep out on your own, or a hidden infestation may already be present. If you suspect you have rodents, are seeing an increasing number of spiders, or encounter any other persistent pest problem, it’s time for professional intervention.
The team at North Point Pest Solutions can conduct a thorough inspection to pinpoint entry points and existing infestations. We’ll implement targeted treatments and exclusion strategies to make sure your home remains a warm, pest-free haven all season long.
Don’t let uninvited guests share your warmth this fall. Be proactive and secure your home now.
Ready to pest-proof your home for the heating season? Contact North Point Pest Solutions today for a comprehensive inspection and a customized protection plan.
About North Point Pest Solutions:
North Point Pest Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive pest control services for residential and commercial properties throughout the North Bay and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing effective, environmentally responsible solutions that protect your property and peace of mind.
