Watch out – with the upcoming winter season predicted to be a whole different vibe, you might be tasked with a bit more pest control than usual. When the weather doesn't reach cold temperatures, common pests like ticks, mosquitoes, and other insect populations climb, affecting our homes and backyards. Despite unpredictable weather, you can take steps to protect your spaces. Need tips? We've got 'em.

Ticks

"Ticks are unlike other insect pests in a few ways," shares Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus. "Ticks aren't actually insects at all. Ticks are classified as arachnids, meaning they are closer related to spiders than other bugs."

She goes on to explain the impact of a mild winter on the tick population and life cycle. "Ticks are more active in warm, humid weather. With this year’s delayed summer season and persistent rain from hurricane season, climates across the United States are warmer and wetter than usual going into late fall. This means that pests of all kinds will be active throughout the end of the year, especially ticks. Fortunately, when the weather does finally get colder, tick activity will drop as well."

"Ticks are medically important arthropods that can vector a number of diseases to people and pets," she highlights. "Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are the most widespread tick diseases in the US. Tick species can also spread Powassan Virus, Encephalitis, and Alpha-gal syndrome (a lifelong red meat allergy). Even ticks that don't spread diseases are still dangerous to have in your yard. Tick bites can be irritating and easily infected if scratched at or left untreated. They can also cause distress to outdoor pets as they bite and feed on them. Lastly, ticks can attract other animal pests to your yard, namely birds and rodents that feed on them."

Prevention is the best method for pest control, no matter the pest. For ticks, a large part of your prevention plan should include analyzing and updating areas around your yard.

1. Keep a tidy lawn. Ticks thrive in damp, shaded environments and tend to die in sunny, dry areas. Because of this, ticks are less likely to thrive in ornamental plants or on cut lawns and more likely to be found in brush, woods, or forest-lined areas surrounding your yard. Clear out areas where lawn and tree debris gather and relocate compost piles away from high-traffic areas.
2. Create a barrier between your yard and the forest line. Creating a mulch or gravel barrier between your yard and the environment where ticks thrive is a great way to prevent ticks from crossing into your yard. They tend to avoid crossing paths, mulch, or gravel, as crossing these areas increases exposure to the sun, which may lead to drying out and death for the tick.
3. Reduce animal presence. Addressing areas where rodents or animals forage may also help lower the number of ticks in your yard. Small animals and rodents will likely carry ticks as the season progresses. Check under your deck, in sheds, and woodpiles for evidence of animals. If possible, remove animal pests from the areas around your home.
4. Do daily tick checks and wear insect repellent. Not only check your own body for ticks, but check your pets for ticks, too. If you diligently ward against and check for ticks, you can reduce the chance of tick-borne diseases.
5. Call the pros. Ticks can be challenging pests to effectively control. Their long lifecycle and overlapping generations make it hard to address current infestations and future generations.

Mosquitos

Wet, humid weather with temperatures higher than normal can also cause mosquito populations to surge. Ask me how I know for sure? I got mosquito bites on Halloween in New York State.

"The best way to control mosquitos is to eliminate breeding grounds around your yard," highlights Becca Tellar, Head of Customer Experience at Pestie. "If you’re using candles or torches, those will have the most impact in small, confined spaces where the odor of the candles can be concentrated. Sprays are meant for large areas like lawns and shrubs, but they could harm pollinators if applied broadly across a yard."

Considering other options, she adds, "Granules can be a good option for lawns and garden beds, and there are also products that can be put in ponds."

Managing pests like mosquitos also requires you to consider lawn care during the fall and winter months. "Keep lawns cut very short, trim back shrubs, eliminate standing water around your yard, remove piles of leaves or other yard debris, and use a box fan or tower fan with a strong airflow to blow mosquitos away when sitting or dining outdoors," notes Tellar.

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Other Pests

"Stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs, cockroaches, silverfish, and house centipedes are just a few of the pests that will try to enter your home during the winter," notes Crumbley. "These pests are known as 'occasional invaders,' and their prevalence is directly connected to seasonality."

Again, the best way to control these pests is to prevent them from gaining entrance to your home. She elaborates, reminding homeowners to do the following:

1. Seal around entrances. Most pests enter your home the same way you do: through the front door. Check that your doors are sealed tightly when closed and secure doorframes with weather stripping to remove gaps in the doorway. The same goes for windows.
2. Check your home’s foundation. An insect doesn't need much space to enter your home. Small gaps, cracks, crevices, and holes can provide just enough room for a pest to get inside. As you prep for winter, check your home's foundation, walls, and accessories for unwanted entry points.
3. Inspect your crawl spaces. Attics, crawlspaces, basements, and other storage areas can harbor pests without you knowing it. As part of your winter checklist, inspect these areas around your home and note any pest problems you see.