Seasonal Pest Problems That Start at Your Windows and Doors

Pest prevention isn’t just about sprays and traps — it starts at your home’s entry points. Doors are one of the most overlooked pathways for bugs, rodents, and other unwanted critters. And as the seasons change, so do the ways pests try to get inside.

With a few simple maintenance steps each season, you can keep your doors secure and your home protected.

Why Doors Matter in Pest Prevention

Even the smallest gap under or around a door can be an open invitation for pests. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, and insects need even less space. Over time, weather, wear, and daily use can cause seals to loosen, frames to shift, and small cracks to form — all of which pests will take advantage of.

Spring: Check for Winter Damage

• Inspect weather stripping: Cold, dry air and shifting temperatures can crack or compress door seals. Replace any worn strips around door frames. 
• Look for water damage: Moisture from snowmelt or spring rain can swell wooden doors or frames, leaving gaps. 
• Clean door thresholds: Dirt buildup can prevent doors from closing tightly.
  

Spring is also prime time for ants and flying insects — be sure to check that screen doors are free of holes.

Summer: Keep Bugs and Heat Out

• Install or replace door sweeps: These flexible barriers block gaps along the bottom edge of doors where pests love to sneak in. 
• Tighten door hinges: A sagging door can throw off the seal and leave space for intruders. 
• Check sliding doors: Inspect tracks for debris and ensure screens fit snugly without tears.
  

Sliding patio doors are especially vulnerable in summer — make sure they’re sealed and lock securely.

Fall: Prepare for Rodents

• Seal any visible gaps: As temperatures drop, rodents start looking for warmth — and they’re great at finding weak spots. 
• Inspect garage doors and basement entries: These areas are often missed during routine checks. 
• Clean around exterior doors: Piles of leaves and organic debris near doorways attract pests and can mask entry points.
  

Winter: Block Cold Drafts and Critters

• Test for air leaks: Run your hand around the doorframe to feel for drafts — if air is getting in, pests can too. 
• Reinforce seals on basement or utility room doors: These entryways often lead directly into hidden, warmer areas ideal for pest nesting. 
• Avoid propping doors open: A brief opening can be long enough for pests — especially mice — to dash inside.
  

Year-Round Best Practices

• Keep door areas clean and dry 
• Repair any damaged wood or frames promptly 
• Consider upgrading older doors with modern, pest-resistant features
  

Replacing worn or outdated doors not only improves energy efficiency — it can significantly reduce your risk of pest problems.

Maintaining your doors isn’t just about curb appeal or climate control — it’s a smart, proactive way to protect your home from pests in every season. By keeping your doors sealed, clean, and secure, you create one less entry point for insects and rodents looking to come inside.

Small upgrades now can prevent big infestations later.