Winter in Ontario is picturesque—until the snow starts to melt. Then, it’s a different story. The heavy snowfalls that make the season beautiful also bring excess moisture buildup, turning your property into a breeding ground for pests. As that snow melts, water seeps into the ground around your home, increasing humidity in your basement and attracting pests like cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and centipedes.

The problem isn’t just a damp basement. Moisture-loving pests don’t stay outside—they move in, taking shelter in crawlspaces, behind walls, and anywhere else they can find warmth and humidity. Once inside, they contaminate food storage, damage insulation, and bring bacteria into your home.

But this isn’t something you have to deal with. You can stop it before it starts. The key? Preparation.

Why Melting Snow Creates the Perfect Storm for Pests

When winter ends, all that snow has to go somewhere. The runoff from melting snow increases groundwater levels, which raises humidity and makes basements and crawlspaces the ideal environment for pests.

Certain pests thrive in these damp conditions, including:

• Oriental cockroaches – Often found in basements and drains, they love moisture and dark spaces.
• Silverfish – These pests are drawn to humidity and can damage books, wallpaper, and fabrics.
• Centipedes – They feed on other small insects and multiply quickly in damp environments.
• Carpenter ants – Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—but they tunnel through it, weakening your home’s structure.

If moisture isn’t controlled, these pests move indoors, multiplying in hidden corners before you even realize they’re there.

How to Protect Your Home Before the Snow Melts

This isn’t just about keeping your basement dry. It’s about stopping pests before they get inside. Here’s how you do it.

Check Your Sump Pump—Before You Need It

Your sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding and excess moisture. If it fails, water builds up fast, creating the perfect breeding ground for pests.

• Test your sump pump before the thaw begins—it should turn on and off without issues.
• Check the drainage pipe for blockages. If it’s clogged, water has nowhere to go.
• If you don’t have a sump pump, install one now. It’s easier to prevent flooding than to clean up after it.

Use a Dehumidifier to Keep Moisture Under Control

Humidity attracts pests. Basements, crawlspaces, and storage areas are at the highest risk because they trap moisture. Running a dehumidifier keeps humidity levels between 30-50%, making your home less appealing to moisture-loving pests like silverfish and ants.

Improve Air Circulation and Ventilation

Still air traps moisture, and pests love that. If your basement feels damp or musty, you need better air circulation.

• Use fans to keep air moving. Stagnant air increases humidity.
• Open windows or vents whenever possible to let fresh air in.
• Ensure crawlspaces have proper ventilation to prevent condensation buildup.

Shovel Snow Away from Your Foundation

Leaving snow piled against your home is asking for trouble. As it melts, water pools around the foundation, seeping into cracks and creating the moisture pests love.

• Shovel snow at least 3-5 feet away from your home to prevent excess water from soaking into the ground near your foundation.
• Check for pooling water near window wells, as this can lead to basement leaks and pest infestations.

Watch for Ice Damming on Your Roof

Ice dams are a double threat. Not only do they cause roof leaks that let moisture inside, but they also create entry points for pests.

• Carpenter ants, rodents, and other pests take advantage of roof damage to gain access to your home.
• Check your attic for damp insulation. If moisture is collecting, you may already have a problem.
• Proper roof ventilation and insulation prevent ice dams from forming. If you’re already seeing ice buildup, address it now before the melt begins.

Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters don’t drain properly, leading to water overflow and increased moisture around your foundation—a direct invitation for pests like ants and cockroaches.

• Before the snow melts, check gutters for leaves, twigs, and ice.
• Ensure downspouts extend at least five feet away from your home to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.
• If you’ve had previous drainage issues, now is the time to fix them.

Prune Damaged Plants and Shrubs

Overgrown, damaged plants create shelter for pests like ants, centipedes, and other moisture-loving insects. Trim back vegetation before spring to reduce hiding spots and improve airflow around your home’s foundation.

Expert Advice from GreenLeaf Pest Control

Daniel Mackie, pest control expert at GreenLeaf Pest Control, emphasizes early action to prevent both moisture damage and infestations.

His top recommendations:

• Remove snow and ice from your foundation and window wells to prevent water seepage.
• Fix ice dams on your roof before they cause leaks or create pest entry points.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning to direct water away from your home.
• Prune back plants and shrubs to reduce hiding spots for pests.

The best pest control strategy? Don’t let them inside in the first place.

Final Thoughts—Prevention is Everything

Melting snow can mean more than just puddles. It can lead to moisture damage, mold, and a surge in pest activity if you’re not prepared.

The good news? You can stop it before it starts.

• Check your sump pump to prevent flooding.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity low.
• Improve air circulation to reduce damp conditions.
• Remove snow near your foundation to prevent pooling.
• Fix ice dams to avoid leaks and pest entry points.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts so water drains properly.

Spring is coming, and pests are already looking for a place to settle. Don’t let it be your home. Take action now and stay ahead of the problem.

Book a professional pest inspection today and protect your home before pests become a problem.