How Upstate NY Homeowners Can Prepare Their Property for Winter

From preventing frozen pipes to keeping rodents and wildlife out of your attic, winter preparation is crucial for protecting your home’s comfort, safety, and value.

At Accurate Pest Control, we’ve seen it all—from raccoons nesting in chimneys to mold growth caused by poor insulation and moisture leaks. Our team understands that winterizing your home isn’t just about weatherproofing—it’s about preserving your investment and keeping your family safe.

Here’s your complete guide to preparing your property for an Upstate New York winter, plus how Accurate Pest Control can help you get every step right.

1. Seal Entry Points to Keep Pests and Wildlife Out

When cold weather arrives, pests and wildlife look for warmth and shelter—and your home offers both. Mice, rats, squirrels, and raccoons are notorious for sneaking into attics, basements, and crawl spaces through the smallest gaps. Once inside, they can chew wires, tear insulation, and contaminate food and surfaces.

Here’s what to do:

• Inspect your foundation, siding, vents, and roofline for cracks or gaps larger than ¼ inch.
• Replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Use steel wool and caulk to fill smaller holes; for larger ones, consider metal mesh or expanding foam.
• Check your attic vents and chimney caps to ensure they’re secure and free of damage.

Accurate Pest Control offers comprehensive pest exclusion services, identifying and sealing entry points before rodents and wildlife can move in. Our licensed technicians know where to look and what materials hold up best against the elements and determined pests.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of ice dams, which can lead to roof leaks, damaged shingles, and even mold growth inside your attic or walls. Wet debris in gutters can also attract pests like mosquitoes and rodents looking for nesting materials.

Winter prep tip:
Before the first heavy snowfall, clean your gutters thoroughly. Make sure downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your foundation. Installing gutter guards can help prevent clogs during the snowy months.

If you’ve noticed water damage or signs of mold after past winters, Accurate Pest Control’s mold remediation and restoration team can inspect and restore affected areas before the cold weather worsens the problem.

3. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are a nightmare no homeowner wants to experience. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst—leading to costly water damage.

Here’s how to protect your plumbing:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets.
• Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you’re away.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.

If a pipe does burst or you experience water damage, Accurate Pest Control’s water damage restoration division can help. Our certified team can dry, clean, and restore affected areas, preventing long-term issues like rot or mold growth.

4. Inspect Your Roof and Attic

Your roof is your first line of defense against snow, ice, and wind. A small issue now—like a missing shingle or a loose flashing—can become a big problem in mid-January.

Steps to take before winter:

• Check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
• Look for signs of leaks in your attic—dark stains or a musty odor can signal moisture problems.
• Ensure your attic insulation is sufficient and evenly distributed. Poor insulation not only raises heating costs but can cause ice dams to form on your roof.

Accurate Pest Control’s property restoration experts can assess roof and insulation issues and recommend repairs or improvements that will protect your home throughout the winter.

5. Check for Moisture and Mold Issues

Moisture buildup during winter—often from poor ventilation, roof leaks, or ice dams—creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can damage building materials and compromise indoor air quality, leading to health issues.

How to stay proactive:

• Use dehumidifiers in damp basements or crawl spaces.
• Make sure exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms vent properly to the outdoors.
• Have your attic and basement inspected for mold before winter sets in.

Accurate Pest Control’s mold remediation specialists use advanced detection and removal techniques to safely eliminate mold at its source and prevent it from returning. We also address the underlying causes, so you won’t have to worry about recurring issues.

6. Schedule a Chimney and Fireplace Inspection

Few things are cozier than a fire on a cold night—but before you light the first log, make sure your chimney and fireplace are safe. Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires, and damaged flue liners can let dangerous gases like carbon monoxide seep into your home.

Get your chimney inspected and cleaned annually, especially if you use it frequently. While you’re at it, make sure your chimney cap is intact—open chimneys are a favorite entry point for squirrels, birds, and raccoons looking for warmth.

If you’ve heard scratching or movement in your chimney, Accurate Pest Control offers wildlife removal services to safely and humanely evict unwanted guests and seal off entry points to prevent re-entry.

7. Winterize Your Landscaping

Proper landscaping preparation can protect your home’s exterior and prevent pest activity. Overgrown shrubs, leaf piles, and firewood stacked too close to your home are perfect hiding spots for rodents and insects.

Before the first frost:

• Trim trees and shrubs at least three feet away from your siding and roofline.
• Rake and remove fallen leaves and debris.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it off the ground.

Accurate Pest Control’s outdoor pest prevention programs help maintain pest-free yards year-round, reducing the risk of infestations when temperatures drop.

8. Test Safety Systems and Detectors

Winter often means closed windows, less ventilation, and increased use of heating equipment—all of which can raise safety concerns.

Make sure to:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
• Have your furnace and heating systems inspected by a professional.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in key areas like the kitchen and near fireplaces.

A safe home is a healthy home—and Accurate Pest Control’s holistic approach to property care ensures you’re covered from structural issues to air quality concerns.

9. Plan for Snow and Ice Removal

Heavy snowfall and ice can cause property damage, blocked vents, and safety hazards. Make a plan before the first storm hits.

Tips:

• Keep snow shovels, roof rakes, and ice melt on hand.
• Clear snow away from foundation walls and basement windows.
• Mark driveway and walkway edges with stakes before heavy snowfalls.

If ice dams or melting snow lead to leaks or water intrusion, Accurate Pest Control’s emergency response team can provide immediate cleanup and restoration to prevent secondary damage.

10. Schedule a Comprehensive Home Inspection

Even the most diligent homeowner can miss hidden issues that worsen in winter—like small leaks, hidden mold, or subtle pest activity. That’s why a professional inspection before the season starts is invaluable.

Accurate Pest Control offers complete home readiness inspections, identifying vulnerabilities before they turn into expensive repairs. Our experts check for:

• Pest and wildlife entry points
• Water or mold damage
• Insulation and ventilation issues
• Structural weaknesses from past water or fire damage

We’ll provide a full report and recommend customized solutions to protect your property through the toughest months of the year.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home the Accurate Way

Winter in Upstate New York can be harsh, but your home doesn’t have to suffer for it. With proactive maintenance, a little preparation, and help from trusted professionals, you can safeguard your property from the cold, the wet, and the unwanted.

At Accurate Pest Control, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare for every season—from pest prevention and wildlife removal to mold remediation and disaster restoration. With decades of experience serving the Capital Region, our team has the tools, training, and expertise to keep your home warm, dry, and pest-free all winter long.

Call Accurate Pest Control Today

Don’t wait until the first freeze or infestation hits—get your property winter-ready now.
📞 Call Accurate Pest Control today at (518) 374-0357 or visit www.accuratepestcontrol.com to schedule your inspection and protect your home the Accurate way.