Top 3 Things Austin Homeowners Should Do Before Winter to Keep Pests Out

As temperatures cool in Central Texas, pests start looking for a warm, sheltered place to ride out the season. Unfortunately, that often means they target your home. In Austin, where we deal with everything from fire ants and roaches to rodents and scorpions, winter pest prevention isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your health, property, and peace of mind.

At TOPS Pest Control, we see the same patterns every year. Homeowners who take the right steps in fall and early winter experience far fewer pest problems when the cold weather sets in. In this post, we’ll walk you through the top three things every homeowner should do before winter to keep pests out for good.

1. Seal Entry Points Around Your Home

One of the most effective ways to prevent pests is also one of the most overlooked—closing off the entry points they use to get inside. Many insects and rodents only need a gap the width of a pencil to find their way indoors. Once inside, they can breed quickly and cause costly damage.

Common Entry Points in Austin Homes:

• Gaps around doors and windows – Worn weatherstripping is like an open invitation to ants, spiders, and even scorpions.

• Foundation cracks – Small fissures in stone or brick let roaches and rodents slip in unnoticed.

• Vents and utility lines – Dryer vents, AC chases, and cable lines are prime entry spots if not properly sealed.

• Rooflines and eaves – Squirrels and rats often exploit tiny openings near the attic.

  
  

What You Can Do:

• Inspect your home’s exterior carefully in daylight. Look for visible cracks, gaps, or light peeking through.

• Replace worn weatherstripping and use door sweeps at thresholds.

• Seal cracks with silicone caulk or expanding foam.

• Add fine mesh screens over vents and chimneys.

By eliminating these entry points, you reduce the chances of pests making your home theirs this winter.

2. Reduce Food and Moisture Sources

Even with the best sealing, a pest’s motivation to invade skyrockets if they find easy access to food and water. In Austin’s climate, rodents, roaches, ants, and spiders all thrive when homeowners unintentionally provide these resources.

Indoor Habits That Attract Pests:

• Open pantry items – Cereal boxes, pet food, and grains attract everything from mice to beetles.

• Unwashed dishes – A late-night sink of dishes is a midnight buffet for roaches.

• Standing water – Leaky faucets, slow drains, and plant saucers give pests a hydration source.

• Clutter and cardboard – Rodents and insects love nesting in cluttered storage areas, especially cardboard boxes.

  
  

Outdoor Factors to Watch:

• Bird feeders, pet bowls, and compost piles close to the home.

• Firewood stacked directly against the siding—prime termite and ant territory.

• Gutters clogged with leaves, creating damp environments that draw mosquitoes and roaches.

Prevention Tips:

• Store all pantry goods in airtight containers.

• Take garbage out regularly and use cans with tight lids.

• Fix leaks quickly and wipe up excess moisture.

• Declutter storage rooms and switch to plastic storage bins.

• Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your house and elevated off the ground.

By limiting food and moisture, you make your home far less attractive to pests searching for a winter haven.

3. Schedule Professional Pest Control Before Winter

Even the most diligent homeowner can miss a crack, a hidden leak, or an early sign of infestation. That’s where professional help makes the difference.

Why Pre-Winter Pest Control Matters:

• Stops infestations before they start – Treatments applied in the fall create a barrier that keeps pests out before they move in.

• Targets the pests common to Austin – Our region has unique challenges, from fire ants to scorpions. Local professionals know exactly what to apply and where.

• Protects through winter and beyond – Quality pest control products don’t just kill pests on contact; they provide residual protection for months.

What We Do at TOPS Pest Control:

At TOPS, we use eco and pet-friendly treatments designed for Central Texas homes. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all sprays—instead, we tailor solutions for the pests most active in your area and your home’s specific vulnerabilities.

Our year-round program includes:

• A full inspection of your home’s interior and exterior.

• Targeted barrier treatments around the foundation, doors, and windows.

• Safe, effective baits for rodents where activity is likely.

• Follow-up visits and free callbacks if needed—because we stand by our work.

For homeowners who want peace of mind, scheduling a professional pest control service in the fall is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Bonus: Seasonal Maintenance Tips

While the three steps above are the most critical, a few extra measures can add another layer of protection:

• Trim shrubs and tree branches at least two feet away from your home.

• Clean gutters and downspouts to avoid standing water.

• Store holiday decorations in sealed bins rather than cardboard.

• Check attic insulation and crawlspaces for rodent activity.

Small actions now can prevent big problems later.

Why Pest Prevention Matters in Austin

In Central Texas, winters are milder than in northern states. That means pests remain active year-round. While they may slow down during colder stretches, they don’t go dormant. If they can find warmth and shelter inside your home, they will.

By sealing entry points, reducing food and water, and partnering with a professional pest control company, you give yourself the best chance of keeping pests outside—where they belong.

Final Thoughts

Your home should be a place of comfort during the winter months, not a refuge for pests. Taking action now not only saves you the headache of infestations but also protects your property value and your family’s health.

At TOPS Pest Control, we specialize in keeping Austin homes pest-free with proven, pet-safe, and guaranteed services. If you’re ready to secure your home before winter sets in, give us a call today and let’s keep pests outside where they belong.