What Wisconsin Homeowners Should Do After the First Hard FreezeWinter has arrived in Wisconsin,

If you have heard a noise in the walls or attic since the freeze, there is a good chance something has found a way inside. This is the time of year when mice, rats, spiders, and overwintering insects look for the closest source of warmth and shelter, which usually ends up being your basement, attic, or garage.

At B.E.S.T. Pest Control Services, we see a steady rise in calls right after the first freeze. Here is a simple guide to help you look for problems early and protect your home for the rest of the season.

Why Pest Activity Rises After the FreezeOnce the ground freezes and outdoor food sources dry up, pests begin moving quickly. Rodents begin searching for heat and shelter near foundations, garages, and crawlspaces. Spiders and silverfish are attracted to moisture and warmth inside the home. Cluster flies, boxelder bugs, and other overwintering insects push deeper into siding, wall voids, and attic spaces.
Many of our early winter calls come from homeowners hearing scratching in the attic or notice droppings near stored dog food in the garage.

Common Signs You Missed After the Freeze

• A faint musty smell in a basement corner
• Seed bags are torn open in the garage
• Light rustling noises at night

​Post Freeze Pest Protection Checklist.
Recheck Common Entry Points. The freeze-thaw cycle can create small gaps around your home. Take another look at:

• Siding that has started to pull away
• Cracks that widened along the foundation
• Openings around utility lines
• Worn or cracked seals on garage doors
  
  

Even if you checked earlier in the fall, new openings often appear after the first hard freeze.
Inspect Your Garage for Fresh Activity. Garages are a widespread area where we find new rodent signs in late November. Look closely for:

• Droppings
• Chewed bags or cardboard
• Holes in corners or along baseboards
• Fresh openings under the garage door
  
  

If something can get into the garage, it usually finds a way into the home next.
Look for Early Warning Signs in the Attic and Basement. Rodents often settle into attic insulation or low-traffic areas of the basement once they get inside. Watch for:

• Trails or tunnels through insulation
• Shredded paper or nesting material
• Droppings
• Scratching or tapping sounds at night or early morning
  
  

If you hear noises, pests may have already established themselves.

Heating systems can raise humidity in certain rooms. Moisture attracts silverfish, earwigs, spiders, and drain flies. A dehumidifier can help in damp basements or laundry rooms. Check for small leaks under sinks or near appliances

Schedule a Post Freeze Pest Inspection. Our technicians can spot new gaps created by the freeze-thaw cycle, identify early rodent activity, and recommend the right exclusion steps to protect your home for the rest of winter.

​Stay Protected Through Winter, Once pests get inside, they rarely leave on their own. The sooner they are found, the easier they are to remove. Call us before winter activity picks up.

B.E.S.T. Pest Control Services proudly serves homeowners throughout Sheboygan County and the surrounding communities. We are ready to help you keep your home pest-free this winter.

Call (920) 698-9933 today to schedule your post-freeze inspection.