How to Seal Up Your Home Before Winter

It’s finally fall in Tennessee! The air’s cooler, the days are more comfortable, and it’s the perfect time to soak up the season before winter sets in. As those colder months approach, now’s the time to get your home ready. If you want to keep pests from sneaking inside to escape the chill, a little preparation goes a long way. The experts at All-American Pest Control know that the best way to protect your home this winter starts with sealing things up before the temperatures drop.

Why Sealing Your Home Matters in Fall

Why should you seal your home before winter? There are several reasons. 

The first is that fall is prime pest infestation time. Although spring and summer see an increase in pest activity in general, fall is the time of year when a lot of pests actually move indoors. The weather gets colder and food supplies become harder to find, so pests like rodents and spiders start looking for warm shelter and a steady source of food.

Sealing your home also helps reduce moisture issues. If water can’t seep inside, you’ll avoid water-damaged wood that can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants. You’ll also avoid mold and mildew issues that are harmful to your family’s health. 

Although not directly related to pests, sealing your home has the added benefit of reducing drafts and heating costs for your house. A more comfortable home that costs you less money is well worth the effort it takes to seal your house.

Where Pests Enter Tennessee Homes

Knowing how to seal your house starts with knowing where pests are getting inside. You might be surprised when you discover all of the areas that pests utilize as entry points. No pests require a large opening to get indoors, and most only require very small openings. Some common pest entry points include:

• Cracks in foundations and siding

• Gaps around doors and windows

• Openings around pipes, vents, and cables

• Chimneys, soffits, and attic access points

Step-by-Step Guide to Sealing Your Home

Sealing your home to prevent pests, moisture, and drafts takes time and effort, but it’s worth the work. Start by carefully inspecting the outside of your house. Look at exterior walls, your foundation, around your eaves and soffits, and your roof. Make a note of all holes, gaps, cracks, and other openings that you find.

Now it’s time to get to work! Start by sealing small cracks with caulk. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors and replace worn thresholds if necessary. Install weatherstripping around doors and windows as well. If you have screens on your windows or doors that have holes or tears, replace them. You’ll also want to install wire mesh screens on open vents and chimneys.

Once your exterior work is done, head into your attic to check your insulation. Look for gaps and other areas where coverage is lacking and seal them.

Materials That Work Best

What materials should you use when sealing your house if you want the best results? Here are a few recommendations:

• Silicone-based caulk for small cracks

• Expanding foam for larger gaps

• Steel wool for rodent entry points

• Wire mesh for vent covers

• Weatherstripping kits for windows and doors

Extra Tips for Pest Prevention

While sealing your house is an important part of pest prevention this fall, it’s only one part of the equation. Once you’ve sealed your house, we recommend taking these additional preventative measures for the best pest prevention:

• Move firewood, mulch, and leaf piles away from the perimeter of your house

• Trim shrubs and trees so they don’t touch the sides or roof of your house

• Address moisture issues around your yard

• Store food in sealed containers indoors

• Eliminate clutter in your house, especially in storage areas like basements and attics

• Address moisture issues inside your house

How All-American Can Help Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Winter

Although All-American Pest Control doesn’t provide large-scale sealing services, we do offer the services you need to keep your home pest-free.  When you combine your DIY efforts with our fall pest control, you’ll set your home up for a pest-free winter. Our Perimeter Plus plan provides a barrier of protection to keep pests out of your house. With ongoing protection, you won’t have to worry about pests in your house at any time of year. Plus, our services are guaranteed. If you find pests between our scheduled treatments, we’ll come back to your house to take care of it at no cost to you. 

Contact Us for a Free Home Evaluation

Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Spring Hill, Summertown, Williamsport, Culleoka, Hampshire, Santa Fe, Ashwood, Bigbyville, Campbells Station, Fly, Fountain Heights, Hopewell, Pleasant Grove, Sawdust, Scotts Mill, Screamer, Silver Creek, and the surrounding areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation today.