How to Prevent Common Winter Pests?

Winter is a time when many pests make their way inside homes. These include rodents, insects, and even spiders. While it is natural for these pests to seek shelter from the cold temperatures outside, having them inside a home can be both inconvenient and potentially dangerous. With that in mind, here are some of the most common winter pests, how to identify them, and strategies for how to prevent them from entering a home.

Rodents:

One of the most commonly found winter pests is rodents such as rats and mice. These critters have keen senses of smell and are attracted to food sources as well as warmth inside homes. They can also carry diseases such as Salmonella and Hantavirus, which can cause severe respiratory illness if contracted by humans.

Rats and mice can be identified by droppings or footprints left behind at night on surfaces such as countertops or shelves.

How to prevent rodents?

1. Seal entry points: Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small openings, so it’s essential to check for and seal any cracks or holes in the exterior of your home, including around doors and windows.
2. Store food properly: Rodents are attracted to food, so make sure to store food in airtight containers and keep kitchen surfaces clean.
3. Keep outdoor areas clean: Rodents are attracted to piles of leaves and debris, so make sure to keep outdoor areas clean and free of clutter.
4. Use traps or baits: Traps and baits can be effective in controlling rodent populations.
5. Eliminate nesting sites: Rodents like to nest in warm, dark places, so eliminate potential nesting sites by removing piles of debris, stacks of firewood, and other clutter.
6. Keep pets indoors: Rodents are attracted to pet food and feces, so keeping pets indoors can help reduce the risk of infestation.
7. Professional extermination: If you have a significant rodent problem, it may be necessary to hire a professional pest control services to eliminate the pests and help prevent future infestations.

Insects:

Another common winter pest includes various types of insects including ants, cockroaches, and spiders. These bugs are often drawn inside because of their desire for food or water sources available in the home. Insects may also find warmth indoors during cold weather months since they freeze at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius).  Cockroaches often leave telltale signs of infestation such as egg sacks or discarded wings around kitchen cabinets while ants might appear in large numbers near food sources like sugar bowls or pet dishes.

How to prevent insects?

1. Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks and crevices and seal any openings that could provide entry for insects. Pay special attention to areas around doors and windows, as well as pipes and electrical wiring.
2. Keep kitchen clean: Clean up food spills and crumbs and store food in airtight containers. Cockroaches and ants are attracted to food and will be more likely to enter your home if they can find a food source.
3. Keep humidity levels low: Many insects, including cockroaches, thrive in humid environments. Keep humidity levels low by using a dehumidifier and fixing leaks as soon as they occur.
4. Use natural or chemical repellents: Use natural or chemical repellents to prevent insects from entering your home. Some popular natural options include essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, while chemical options include sprays and bait stations.
5. Hire a professional pest control company: If you have a significant insect infestation, consider hiring professional pest control services to eliminate the pests and help prevent future infestations. They can identify the source of the problem and provide a treatment plan for long-term control.

The Bottom Line

By taking action against these common winter pests you’ll not only keep your family safe but also help ensure that they don’t become an ongoing problem around your household throughout the year! Additionally, if you suspect a pest infestation in your home it’s important to contact a licensed pest control specialist right away so they can assess the situation properly before any further damage occurs due to unchecked populations reproducing in dark corners of your abode!