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Wingate Pest & Lawn specializes in comprehensive lawn care and pest control services tailored to meet your needs. From routine maintenance to specialty pest control, we've got you covered. Visit our lawn page and learn from our blogs for more lawn maintenance and pest identification tips. Contact our lawn and pest control professionals in Columbia, MO today for a free inspection and estimate.

Steps to Prevent Pests Year-Round: Seasonal Guide

February 17, 2026

Keeping pests at bay requires consistent effort to maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment. With the changing seasons, ants, spiders, mice, and more can become a problem, making it essential to adjust strategies accordingly. Read this seasonal guide to help you prevent pests year-round:

Spring: Prepare for New Arrivals

As temperatures rise, insects such as ants, termites, and mosquitoes become more active. Here’s what you can do to prepare for spring:

  • Inspect your home for cracks or gaps that could serve as entry points. Seal them with screens or weatherstripping to keep unwanted intruders out and reduce health risks.
  • Remove standing water from gutters or puddles, as they can attract pests.
  • Check for signs of termites, like hollow wood or discarded wings, to catch a possible infestation early.

Summer: Maintain Vigilance

Humid Missouri summers allow pests such as flies and mosquitoes to thrive. To minimize your encounters with them, follow these steps:

  • Clean bird baths and pet water bowls to prevent standing water, which could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Ensure garbage cans are tightly sealed and empty them regularly to deter pests.
  • Set traps and monitor for signs of early infestation, so you can address issues before they escalate.

Fall: Prepare for Hibernation

As the weather cools, spiders and rodents may seek shelter and invade your home. Some prevention techniques to consider include:

  • Inspect your property thoroughly, focusing on basements and attics, where pests may hide. Use steel wool or caulk to block any entry points.
  • Store firewood away from the house to prevent pests from nesting nearby.
  • Maintain your yard by mowing and trimming vegetation, and clearing debris that could serve as hiding spots.

Winter: Keep Them Out

While pests seem dormant during winter, most, including rodents, may search for warmth during the cold months, making it essential to reinforce your home's defenses. Here are some tips:

  • Check that all windows, doors, and other entry points are properly sealed and continue to monitor for signs of rodent activity, such as foul odors and gnaw marks.
  • Keep your home clean by vacuuming regularly and removing boxes or clutter where pests could hide.
  • Store food in sealed containers to cut off pest access.

Learning how to deal with pests year-round can prevent significant damage and costly infestations. While these steps can help keep your property pest-free, working with a professional can make a huge difference. Contact Wingate Pest & Lawn today for expert pest control services in Columbia, MO and surrounding areas.