Pests You Might Encounter This Winter and How to Deal With Them
Even though it may seem like cold weather should put an end to your pest problems, winter is not the time to get lax about pest control. Fall is the time when pests like rodents and insects start looking for comfortable places to ride out the winter, so your home could have plenty of spiders and other insects in the cold months. Plus, some insects are nuisances all year long. Here are some pests you may encounter this winter and pest control treatments that keep them under control.
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs live indoors, so they are a threat to your home during all seasons. Plus, due to holiday travel and parties, it may be easier to pick up bed bugs in the winter and bring them home. Routine pest control treatments may not fight off a bed bug infestation. These bugs often require special treatments, such as heat and dry ice to eliminate them.
2. Roaches And Spiders
Roaches and spiders start showing up in larger numbers in the fall as they search for warm homes and food to eat. You can also carry roaches home from the store, so these pests are always a threat. If you have routine pest control treatments scheduled for the fall months, the pesticide should work against these invaders for a few months. However, if roaches multiply, you might need additional treatment in the winter to keep them out of your kitchen and away from your food.
3. Rodents
Rodents can become serious problems in the winter. They sense the heat inside your house and they'll gnaw at your siding or roof so they can get inside. This includes mice, rats, squirrels, and even raccoons. Once they get inside, rodents are very destructive and they'll cause damage to your home and belongings, especially your food supply. The best way to deal with rodents is to seal up gaps in your home so warm air doesn't waft out and attract them. Once they're inside, you'll probably have to trap them, and you might need a pest control company to eliminate a rodent infestation quickly.
4. Ladybugs And Stinkbugs
Ladybugs and stinkbugs are two pests that can invade your home in large numbers when they seek a warm, dry place to spend the winter. While these bugs aren't dangerous to people, pets, or your home, you probably don't want large swarms of bugs in your house. They may not pose a problem until spring when they get active and want to get back outside. Both of these insects emit a foul odor and can leave stains behind, so you have to be careful when you eliminate them. You might vacuum ladybugs and release them outdoors since they are beneficial insects. Stinkbugs might ruin your vacuum with their foul odor, and they might cause a rash if you handle them.
If you have a large infestation of stinkbugs, you may need help from an exterminator to get rid of them. The best way to control pests that invade in large numbers looking for warmth is to seal entry points to your house before cold weather sets in.
