Fall Pest Prevention Steps You Can Take Before Winter Hits
As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, many pests begin searching for warm, sheltered places to ride out the winter. Before they find their way into your home, now is the perfect time to get proactive. At Lincoln Pest Control, we’ve helped homeowners prepare for seasonal pest pressure, and here are some of the most effective prevention steps you can take this fall.
Inspect & Seal Entry Points
One of the most important defenses is making sure pests can’t get in to begin with. Walk around your home and look for cracks, gaps, or openings in the foundation, siding, doors, and windows. Carefully check areas where utility lines, pipes, and cables enter your home. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or exterior-grade sealant to close small openings, and for larger gaps, consider steel wool or wire mesh backed by sealant. Don’t forget vents, soffits, and attic openings — these are common routes for insects, rodents, and other intruders.
Manage Moisture & Humidity
Many pests — including cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders — are drawn to damp environments. Be sure to inspect basements, crawl spaces, attics, and utility rooms for any moisture issues. Using dehumidifiers or ensuring good ventilation helps keep these areas dry. Inside the home, fix dripping faucets, check under sinks, and monitor for condensation. Outside, make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so water isn’t pooling near your foundation, which attracts pests and can lead to structural damage.
Clean, Declutter & Organize
Pests love clutter — stacks of cardboard, boxes, unused furniture, and leaf debris create perfect hiding or nesting spots. Declutter attics, basements, garages, and storage areas, and replace cardboard boxes with sealed plastic bins when possible. Keep firewood stored off the ground and well away from your home, since wood piles are a prime target for termites, ants, and rodents. Also, before bringing any seasonal decorations or plants indoors, inspect them carefully for pests or eggs that may have hitched a ride.
Maintain Your Yard & Exterior Spaces
Your yard is the first line of defense against pests, so make it less attractive to unwanted guests. Rake and remove leaf piles or debris near the house. Trim back shrubs or branches that touch siding — insects often use them as bridges to enter. Avoid storing trash or compost too close to your foundation, and secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids. If you keep bird feeders or pet food outside, do it further from the house so pests aren’t drawn near your walls or crawlspaces.
Schedule a Pre-Winter Professional Inspection
Even with your best efforts, some pests find clever ways inside. Having a pest professional visit before winter gives you an expert’s eyes on vulnerable spots you might miss. At Lincoln Pest Control, we can assess risk areas, apply targeted exterior treatments, and help you build a year-round strategy to keep pests out long term. Acting now means fewer surprises when the cold really sets in.
As fall progresses and things shift indoors, staying ahead of pests gives you peace of mind. Taking these steps—sealing, drying, cleaning, yard maintenance, and professional support—helps ensure that when winter arrives, uninvited pests don’t move in with it.
Lincoln Pest and Property Solutions is a locally owned and operated business serving Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts. As one of the leading pest control companies in RI, our mission for over 35 years has been simple: Provide innovative and effective pest control solutions for your home or business, while maintaining a safe environment. We use the latest in eco-friendly technology to keep your home or place of business safe and pest free.










