The board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are urging homeowners and businesses to add an overlooked, but important New Year’s resolution to their list in 2026: pest prevention. The current cold conditions mean pests like rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are seeking shelter indoors. And though winter has only just officially begun, now is the time to prepare for the upcoming spring season.
Dr. Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and SVP of public affairs at the NPMA, warned, “Pests are capable of far more than just disrupting your peace of mind. They can cause major damage to your property and pose serious health risks.”
The NPMA recommends these three “resolutions” to keep pests at bay:
1. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect doors, windows, and pipes for gaps or cracks, and seal them with caulk, weatherstripping, or steel wool to prevent pests from finding their way inside. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, so those tiny cracks are big openings for hungry rodents.
2. Secure Food and Maintain Cleanliness: Store dry food in airtight containers, promptly clean up crumbs and spills, and regularly empty trash into sealed bins. Don’t wait until spring cleaning to vacuum behind appliances for crumbs that attract pests like cockroaches and rodents.
3. Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection: Booking an inspection from a qualified pest control professional now can help pinpoint problems before spring pests emerge, giving homeowners and businesses a head start in defending against termites, ants, and wasps.
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