As the winter months set in, you may be thinking that your pest problems are going to go away. Sadly, this is not the case. The colder temperatures cause pests to enter homes more often than they would during warmer periods of the year. You don’t need to worry about dealing with them on your own though! This blog post will give you some helpful winter pest prevention tips to help manage common winter pests and keep them out of your home this holiday season.
Winter Pest Prevention: The Pests to Look out for this Winter
When it comes to pests during the winter there are some that do in fact become less active due to a process called overwintering. Overwinter is when pests actually hibernate or go into a torpid state by slowing their metabolism down. This means that the majority of winter pest problems are going to come from bugs and rodents looking for warmth in your home, not food. The following is a list of some common winter pests you will be dealing with this season:
Spiders
Spiders like to hide in areas of your home that are very rarely used. There are a few things you can do to keep spiders out of your home, the first being to make sure all the windows are sealed. Taking the time to seal cracks and holes that are present within the interior or exterior of your home, along with keeping your outdoor lights off are great winter pest prevention tips for keeping spiders away from your home. While spiders aren’t attracted to light, insects that they feed on are. By keeping the lights off you are helping to eliminate a food source for these spiders.
Fleas
Unfortunately, fleas can survive during the winter due to their ability to go dormant. This means that there is a chance you will see fleas in your home this winter and even next summer if they were able to successfully lay eggs before going into dormancy for the year! The best way to prevent these pests from entering your home or dog’s home is to make sure you check your pet regularly for fleas. If you find any, talk with a professional about how best to manage the situation and keep fleas from becoming a large issue with winter pest prevention services.
Moths
Moths are attracted to wool, fur, and furniture that has been upholstered. Because of this, it is important to regularly check your clothes for signs of damage, as well as any areas in your home that may be dark and damp. Moths are drawn to these areas because they typically contain food sources. If there is a winter pest problem in your home involving moths, you will need to make sure that all of the food sources are eliminated and then call a team of professionals for winter pest prevention services.
Mice and Rats
The winter months are typically when you will see mice and rats the most. Rats are unique in that they love to enter homes through entrances located near water, so it is important to make sure to take extra precautions if your home is located close to any bodies of water or other areas where there may be flooding issues during winter storms
Mice on the other hand are much more likely to enter homes through areas that are located near food sources. Since winter is the time of year when most people do not have their yards as well-maintained, it can be very easy for mice and rats to feast on any available source of food they find in your yard or even under a deck. Make sure to add winterizing your yard to your list of winter pest prevention methods so rodents aren’t prompted to make a visit in the first place!
Squirrels
Winter pest problems involving squirrels tend to occur when the weather is very mild. If there are shingles missing on your roof, squirrels may decide that it’s a good place to store acorns for winter or build their nests in order to keep off of the cold ground below! This means that if you notice any signs of wetness in your attic, this is likely due to squirrels entering your home through compromised areas of the roof. Squirrels are also very adept at chewing their way into attics or other parts of homes that they do not have access to by crawling up walls and then popping open a hole in order to gain entry! Taking time to invest in winter pest prevention services will help ensure squirrels are unable to enter your home this winter season.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a winter pest problem for many homeowners in the U.S., especially if their homes tend to be warmer inside than others during the winter months! It is important to recognize that even though cockroaches can live outside, they do not typically survive well due to a lack of food sources and colder temperatures. If you find cockroach droppings, you may need winter pest prevention services to make sure these bugs are not entering your home through small cracks or gaps in the foundation.
Birds and Bats
Birds and bats are winter pests that can be especially problematic for those who live in areas with snowy winter weather. It is important to remember that birds will not typically enter your home by flying through an open door or window, as they have been known to do during warmer months of the year. Instead, wintertime pests such as birds and bats will often seek shelter by building nests in wounds on the exterior of your home where you may not be able to reach them. This means that winter pest prevention services can help ensure birds do not make a mess out of your siding or other parts of your home this winter!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs have become a winter pest problem in the U.S. thanks to their ability to survive without feeding for up to 12 months, as long as they are not exposed to temperatures colder than around 50 degrees Fahrenheit! This means that even if you live somewhere with extreme winter weather conditions and your home is freezing during winter storms, bed bugs may still be hiding nearby, waiting for the winter to end. The best way to handle bed bugs is by enlisting winter pest prevention services that can help rid your home of these winter pests entirely!
Let us Help with Your Winter Pest Prevention Needs
If you begin seeing any of these pests this coming winter and as the weather begins to get colder, it is important that you call a team of professionals right away for help with winter pest prevention! Our team at Sigma Pest Control is here to help with any and all of your winter pest prevention needs. Give us a call today for more information about how we can keep your home pest-free this upcoming holiday season!
