Preparing for Winter in Wisconsin: Fall Pest Prevention and How Rodents Move Indoors

​As Wisconsin temperatures begin to drop and the days grow shorter, your home starts looking a lot more inviting, not just to you, but to pests as well. Many homeowners begin searching for fall pest prevention tips to avoid unwanted guests. As winter approaches, rodents and insects begin migrating indoors, and before long, your attic, walls, or basement might become their new home.

Why Pests Head Indoors as Temperatures Drop

At B.E.S.T. Pest Control, we understand how quickly a minor issue can turn into a full-blown infestation once pests settle in. Here’s what every homeowner should know and do to stay protected this season. When outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F, many pests start searching for warmth, moisture, and most importantly, food. One of the main reasons homeowners call for winter pest control or rodent control near Sheboygan County this time of year is that rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter inch, which means even tiny cracks can provide an entry point into your home. Insects such as spiders and silverfish move inside to avoid frost, often finding ideal conditions in basements, crawlspaces, or behind walls. 

Common Cold-Weather Culprits in Wisconsin Homes
Each fall, we see a consistent wave of Wisconsin pest activity as these species move indoors:

• Mice and Rats: These pests can enter through small openings near foundations, vents, or utility lines. Once inside, they can contaminate food, chew wiring, and damage insulation.
  
• Spiders: As temperatures cool, spiders look for warmth and a steady food source. While most are harmless, some can bite or cause anxiety for homeowners.
  
• Silverfish: These quick, fast-moving insects thrive in damp conditions, dark environments such as basements and bathrooms. They can damage books, paper, and fabrics.
  
• Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs: Very common in the Midwest, these pests gather in sun-warmed walls and slip indoors through gaps around windows or siding.

How do these pests get in?

Even well-maintained homes in eastern Wisconsin can have hidden access points. Be sure to inspect these areas carefully and prevent pest infestations during winter.

• Foundation cracks or gaps near utility lines
  
• Attic vents, soffits, attic louvers, and roofline openings
  
• Damaged or worn weatherstripping on doors and windows
  
• Loose siding or spaces behind gutters and fascia boards​
• Garage doors that don’t fully seal
• Any opening larger than a quarter inch can allow pests to enter. Rodents can also climb along tree limbs or utility wires to reach the upper parts of the home.

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​Steps Homeowners Can Take Right Now

Taking action in October can save you from bigger problems later in the season. Focus on the following preventive steps:

1. Seal gaps and cracks with durable caulk or steel wool (rodents can chew through softer materials).
   
2. Inspect and replace weatherstripping on all doors and windows.
   
3. Store all food securely in sealed containers and keep kitchen surfaces clean.
   
4. Clean up clutter, especially cardboard boxes or fabric piles where pests can hide.
   
5. Manage indoor moisture with dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements or crawl spaces. 

When to Call the Professionals if you’ve noticed droppings, scratching noises in walls, or an increase in pest sightings, it’s time to bring in the experts. B.E.S.T. Pest Control in Sheboygan offers seasonal pest inspections, exclusion services, and safe, targeted treatments to keep pests out for good. Our technicians don’t just eliminate infestations; we prevent them by identifying and sealing entry points before pests settle in.

Protect Your Home Before Winter Hits
October is the ideal time to schedule a fall pest inspection in Wisconsin. Once temperatures drop further, pests already inside will be much harder to remove.

Serving Sheboygan County and surrounding areas, B.E.S.T. Pest Control helps you stay protected all winter long with professional, science-based solutions and a commitment to keeping your home pest-free, the B.E.S.T. way.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your fall pest inspection or learn more about our year-round prevention plans.