Winter is a time when many pests seem to disappear, as they slow down their activity to combat and survive the cold. However, several pests remain active during the winter months and cause problems for homeowners during this season. Read on to learn about six pests that you may encounter during the winter season and how to hinder and control them.
1. Ants
In winter, people are often surprised to find ants hiding under wood piles, underneath boxes, and inside cabinets. These locations provide an ideal environment for ants to lay eggs and raise their young. The most prevalent ant species you will find in your home are carpenter ants. Carpenter ants can enter homes through tiny cracks and holes.
Ants invade houses in search of food sources that are easily accessible. If you find a single ant in your home during winter, chances are that there are more nearby in a nest. Search for any ants in kitchens or other places where you store food. Seal food in tight packages, clean up food crumbs, and use ant bait to minimize ant infestation.
2. Rats and Mice
As warm-blooded animals, rats and mice cannot survive the cold conditions in winter. Thus, these pests appreciate places that provide shelter from the cold, such as your house. You may find them nested in hollow spaces like wall voids, cabinets, and sheds.
These rodents pose a systemic risk to your electrical wirings as they can gnaw through the plastic shielding. Also, rats and mice can contaminate your food and spread diseases through bites and scratches. Seal any potential entry points and store food properly to mitigate the risk of these pests invading.
3. Cockroaches
Even though cockroaches are more common in warm climates, they can still find their way into your home in search of warmth and food. Roaches are a haven for microorganisms that can contaminate your food and utensils.
If you are in need of a natural solution, you can mix boric acid, sugar, and flour into water to create a paste. Then, roll the mixture into balls and strategically place them in locations where you or a family member noticed cockroaches. This mixture is toxic to cockroaches and will minimize their population once they consume the balls.
4. Bedbugs
Bedbugs invade our homes to feed on human blood. Unfortunately, the bites from bed bugs are itchy and painful. Bedbugs are extremely difficult to control since they proliferate once they settle in your household. Worse, they hide in luggage that gets into our house, then in clothing to spread around the house. You should immediately call pest control services when you notice bedbugs in your house.
5. Spiders
Spiders are all-weather arachnids that are active in all seasons. However, they seek out a warm and dark place to hide, such as boxes, basements, boxes, or corners with little traffic as temperatures drop.
Do not worry though, as most spider species are harmless to humans and even beneficial, as they prey and feed on flies, crickets, mites, and other household and yard pests. Nevertheless, they can still be a nuisance, so keep an eye out for them in your home.
6. Overwintering Pests
Overwintering pests are insects that rely on your house primarily for shelter to escape the cold. Ladybugs and beetles are two of the most common winter pests that seek refuge in your home. These pests enter in the fall and appear in the western part of the house, where they bathe in the afternoon sun to get warm.
You should keep an eye out for signs of active infestation on your windows and walls. If you find ladybugs or beetles, take action quickly, as they can multiply and leave odors and stains on your house.
Contact us at Quality Pest Control for pest extermination and control. We proudly serve residents in Columbus, OH, and surrounding regions.