As winter approaches in Reston, VA, many homeowners are focused on keeping warm and cozy, but there's another group that’s seeking shelter as well—pests! The cold weather sends critters like mice, rats, spiders, and cockroaches scurrying for warmth, often finding their way into your home. Preparing your Reston home before the winter chill sets in can help keep these uninvited guests out.

Here are a few tips to winterize your home and prevent pests from taking up residence:

1. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Reston is known for its mix of historic and modern homes, and older homes, in particular, may have small gaps that pests can easily slip through. Inspect your home’s exterior, including around windows, doors, and the foundation, for any cracks or gaps. Even small openings can allow pests like mice or spiders inside. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any cracks to keep pests at bay while also improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Local Tip: Many homes in Reston, particularly in neighborhoods like Lake Anne or Reston Town Center, have older architecture that may need more regular maintenance to keep pests out. Focus on your windows, basements, and attics—common areas for pest entry.

2. Inspect and Clean Gutters

The beautiful, tree-lined streets in Reston are a trademark of the community, but those same trees drop leaves that can clog your gutters. When water can't drain properly, it creates moisture that attracts pests like cockroaches and termites. Ensure your gutters are cleaned out before winter, and check for any leaks or signs of damage.

Local Tip: Homeowners in areas near the Reston National Golf Course or Hidden Creek Country Club should be particularly vigilant, as moisture around the home’s foundation can create an inviting environment for pests.

3. Store Firewood Away from the Home

With Reston's cold winters, many homeowners enjoy cozying up next to a wood-burning fireplace. However, pests like termites and ants are drawn to firewood piles, and if your wood is stored too close to your home, they could move from the wood into your walls. Keep your firewood stack at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground.

Local Tip: In neighborhoods like North Point and South Lakes, where homes often feature lush landscaping, make sure to keep firewood far from shrubbery and trees to reduce pest activity near your home.

4. Install Door Sweeps

Cold air (and pests) often find their way into homes through gaps under doors. Installing door sweeps at the base of your exterior doors will help block pests from entering. This is especially useful for garages, where pests like mice are known to sneak in.

Local Tip: Reston homes, particularly those near open areas like Lake Fairfax Park, are prone to rodents looking for warmth. A well-fitted door sweep can be an effective deterrent.

5. Declutter Storage Areas

Basements and attics are common in Reston homes and are prime hiding spots for pests like spiders and rodents. As the weather cools, take time to declutter these areas, removing cardboard boxes and organizing items in plastic bins. Pests love to nest in dark, undisturbed spaces, so keeping these areas tidy can reduce the risk of infestation.

Local Tip: Homes in Reston's wooded areas, like those near the Walker Nature Center, often face pest pressure from the nearby forests. Regularly inspect storage areas for signs of pests, especially if you live near wooded or natural spaces.

6. Trim Back Vegetation

Reston’s beautiful, tree-lined streets make it a lovely place to live, but that vegetation can also be a highway for pests to get into your home. Overhanging branches, shrubs, and dense landscaping can provide a bridge for pests like ants and rodents to access your roof or walls. Trimming back branches and ensuring plants are not in direct contact with your home can help reduce the risk.

Local Tip: For those in Reston neighborhoods like Hunters Woods and Autumnwood, where yards are often large and lush, regular landscape maintenance is key to preventing pest issues.

7. Check Your Chimney and Roof Vents

Reston’s colder months often mean increased fireplace use, but don’t forget about pests that might be drawn to your chimney or roof vents. Birds, squirrels, and even bats can find their way into your attic or chimney if left unchecked. Installing a chimney cap and inspecting roof vents for damage will help keep larger pests out.

Local Tip: Homes in Reston near wooded areas or bodies of water, such as those in the Reston Association’s clusters, are particularly prone to wildlife issues. A chimney cap can help prevent raccoons or squirrels from nesting inside your chimney.

8. Keep Your Home Dry

Winter in Reston often brings rain and snow, and with it, excess moisture can become an issue. Pests like cockroaches and rodents are drawn to water sources, so make sure there are no leaks in your roof, pipes, or basement. Investing in a dehumidifier for damp areas like the basement can also reduce the likelihood of pests making your home theirs.

Local Tip: In flood-prone areas near Lake Audubon or Lake Thoreau, moisture control is essential to keeping pests out. Proper drainage and sump pumps may be necessary to ensure pests don’t enter your home in search of water.

Winter Pest Control

By taking these steps, you’ll be prepared to keep pests out of your Reston home this winter. Preventative measures not only protect your home from infestation but also save you time and money in the long run. 

If pests do manage to find a way inside, don’t hesitate to contact your local pest control experts at Century Termite & Pest Control. Our company understands Reston's unique environment and the types of pests common to the area, offering you year-round pest protection. Contact us today!