When winter comes around, many people tend to notice a decrease or complete absence of typical pests, such as insects and rodents, outside. Then they assume they don’t have to worry about them again until next spring and summer, but that’s a mistake. Just because you don’t notice as many pests appearing and disturbing you outside doesn’t mean they aren’t hiding somewhere else.
Many pests are seeking warmth and shelter from the cold and freezing temperatures, and your home is the perfect location for them to hide. Some of these pests include roaches, rodents, and spiders. That is why it is important to focus on pest control year round, including the winter.
Why More Pests Invade Homes in The Winter
Pests invade your home as they see it as a sanctuary during the colder months. Pests can be hiding out in any part of your home during the winter, then go back outside during the warmer months.
Some pests travel into your home since their food source is also finding warm areas to stay. Take spiders for instance. Some of their prey, like insects, retreat into homes each year to hide out during the winter. Spiders will try to avoid any sort of confrontation with humans, but that doesn’t mean they should freely roam your home. Some spiders, such as the brown recluse, can deliver a nasty, and potentially deadly bite.
Rodents seek shelter in your home since they essentially don’t want to freeze. Your home is a good place for them to live in during the winter months. Plus the added benefit of food is also an enticing option for them. Your home is essentially a bed and breakfast at that point. Make sure to keep them out of your home since rodents are known to carry diseases that are harmful to you and your family.
Roaches are another pest to be on the lookout for during the winter months. You may see them around your house during other parts of the year, but they will infest your home during the winter if they have the chance. Just like spiders and rodents, they will seek warm places to hide out and live in during the winter. You will want to make sure these pests are out of your home as they are known to be a source of allergies to people.
Tips for Winter Pest Control
To prevent any of the aforementioned pests from infesting your home, you need to work with a pest control company to make sure your home is essentially pest proof. Make it more difficult for pests to get in your home to lessen the likelihood of it happening. Here are some tips that you can use before having a pest control technician come to your home.
Cover Up Any Holes
Holes around your home are all potential entrances that pests can get into to go inside your home. Look around your property for any open spots, such as cables to run inside your home.
Throw Out Trash
Getting rid of the garbage inside of your home before it overflows is important as rodents and roaches love going through it. Any garbage they see is potential food for them. Be diligent and pay attention to your trash so that way you know when to take it out.
Fix Your Doors and Windows
If your doors are broken just enough that pests can get through it, that means trouble. If your windows are cracked, or the screens are torn, it’s time to patch them up. Pests will get through them, and before you know it, they are in your home!
Keep Branches and Piled Wood Away From Your Home
Pests such as rodents and ants can live in those branches and wood. The closer those branches and wood are to your home, the higher the chance that pests may enter. Move them at least 20 feet away from your home as a precaution.
Limit Clutter
Clutter always seems to just build up in our homes no matter how hard we try to prevent it. You should try to reduce it though, as pests can hide out in the clutter. Some of them even end up nesting in them which isn’t pleasant. Pick up any clothes and items on the floor and organize them in a way that they are less cluttered.
Reduce Moisture
Anything damp or moist is prime real estate for pests such as roaches. Any potential leaks or wet spots in your kitchen or bathroom are especially susceptible to roach infestations. Keep any moist places dry to reduce those chances.
Screens
If you have any open vents, make sure they have screens as pests can go through them. Having a home without screens covering the vents isn’t the best idea.
These tips are all good ways to reduce the chances of pests from getting into your home and causing all sorts of problems. Doing all of these things is not enough to manage pests that are already in your home though. That is why you still should get your home treated by pest control experts like us here at Meers Pest Solutions.
Don’t Leave Your Home Untreated
Don’t make the mistake of leaving your home untreated during the winter months. It is important to treat your home as pests may already be in it and are just hiding and lying dormant until the warmer months come by. You can try to get rid of them by yourself, but you may find it difficult or even impossible. That is why pest control is focused on pest management.
Managing pests isn’t something that can be done in one day. It takes time to successfully treat your home for pests. That is why you have to be proactive and if possible pest-proof your home before a pest control technician visits your home. If you are not sure how to pest-proof or identify areas that need pest proofed, we would be happy to help you with this process.
If you are in the West Texas area and are looking to treat your home for pests this winter, then contact Meers Pest Solutions here and we will get the process started!
