The B.E.S.T. Guide to Winter Pest Prevention for Wisconsin Homes

As fall transitions into winter in Wisconsin, protecting your home begins above ground and below it. Moisture issues, gutter clogs, and foundation cracks all become pathways for rodents, insects, and other pests to infiltrate your home. Proper gutter maintenance for pest prevention and foundation upkeep now can save you from costly infestations and home repairs later.
At B.E.S.T. Pest Control Services, we view maintenance as pest prevention. Below is a guide to help homeowners in Sheboygan County, and beyond, defend their homes against winter pest challenges.
Why does gutter maintenance matter for Pest Prevention? Routine gutter cleaning will not only prevent water damage, but will also deter nesting pests. Gutters are often overlooked, yet clogged or improperly functioning gutters are among the easiest ways for pests to gain access to your home. When gutters are full of leaves, debris, or sediment, water doesn’t flow properly. Instead, it overflows or pools near foundations. Standing water and damp gutter troughs create ideal harborage for insects, mosquitoes, roof pests, and nesting rodents.
Overflowing water can creep down walls and saturate soil next to your foundation. This repeated moisture weakens concrete joints and accelerates foundation cracks, turning the building envelope into a vulnerable zone.
To prevent this, your gutters must be cleaned regularly, and downspouts should move water several feet away from the foundation. Ideally, this should be done twice a year in Wisconsin, around early fall and again before snowfall each year.
Foundation Vulnerabilities & Common Entry PointsIn Wisconsin, freeze-thaw cycles can expand tiny foundation cracks into openings large enough for mice and insects by mid-winter. Here are the most common weak spots:

• Foundation Cracks & Hairline Fissures — Even small cracks expand over time and allow rodents and insects to squeeze through.
• Pipe Penetrations & Utility Lines — Gaps around plumbing, HVAC lines, or wiring can become gateways.
• Weep Holes & Crawl Space Vents — Meant for drainage and ventilation, but if unprotected, pests can exploit them.
• Basement Windows & Window Wells — Poorly sealed or degraded frames allow pests in.
• Bedrock Shifts & Soil Settlement — Over time, soil pulls away from the foundation, exposing gaps.

Your Wisconsin pest control experts are ready to perform a thorough home pest inspection before winter arrives.
Inspection Tips & Do’s & Don’ts for HomeownersWhat to Do:

1. Clean gutters and downspouts — Use gloves and a sturdy ladder; flush with water to confirm clear flow.
2. Inspect gutter slopes and hangers — Gutters should slope toward downspouts to avoid stagnant pools.
3. Extend downspouts — Use rigid extensions to carry water 4 – 6 feet away from the foundation.
4. Walk the perimeter — Look for cracking, spalling, insect tubes, or gaps.
5. Seal if needed — Use masonry caulk, cement patching, or appropriate sealants for cracks or penetrations.
   
   

What Not to Do:

• Don’t climb too high or overreach; the risk of falling is high.
• Avoid temporary or low-grade materials like soft caulk or foam that pests can chew or deteriorate.
• Don’t neglect weep holes or vent mesh; blocking them completely can create moisture problems.
• Don’t rely solely on visual checks; some cracks are hidden under mulch or soil.
  
  

B.E.S.T. Pest Control ServicesServing Sheboygan County and communities across Wisconsin, B.E.S.T. Pest Control Services is ready to help you stay protected. Schedule your home exclusion inspection now, and invest in long-term peace of mind.