Winter is an exciting time of year, usually filled with jolly gatherings and warm evenings snuggled up near the fireplace, but it can also be a prime time for certain common pests. From seasonal nuisances like spiders and cockroaches to mice and rats searching for warmer places to live when the temperature drops – the colder months can be a hotspot for unwelcome visitors.
As your local pest control specialists, we understand that the presence of these pests may cause some irritation and distress. In the blog post below, you’ll find helpful information on common winter pests you should watch out for, how to prevent them from taking up residence in your home, and how to get rid of them if they have already invaded your home.
Mice & Rats
Faced with frigid temperatures, mice and rats often seek warmth and shelter in human dwellings. Considered one of the most common winter pests, these rodents are constantly on the lookout for easily accessible food sources with snug hiding spaces. If not prevented or treated quickly, infestations can grow out of control in a short period of time, leading to undue stress and property damage. Unfortunately for homeowners, these signs of infestation can be hard to detect yet are very difficult to control once mice have taken up residence.
To decrease the chances of an unwelcome mouse or rat infestation during colder months, it is important to properly seal entry points outside, such as cracks in the siding or under doors and windows, store food in air-tight containers and vacuum any visible nesting material. Regularly checking in attics or around storage areas is also a surefire way to ensure you can detect early signs of an impending invasion. (Check out our previous blog for some more tips on how you can prevent rodents from entering your home).
If you find signs of a rodent infestation in your home, it is highly advisable to contact a professional pest control specialist for help with removal as quickly as possible.
Spiders
Spiders may be one of the most common year-round pests people have to deal with. However, their presence can become more prevalent during the winter season.
Spiders tend to seek shelter in dark, moist areas within our homes. Popular spots can include behind picture frames and decorations, tucked inside closets and drawer corners, garages, attic spaces, or gaps by baseboards. If you’re bringing down decorations from the attic or taking down holiday decorations that have been up for a while, spider sitings might increase. This is because their nesting zones may have been disturbed in the process, and they are simply trying to relocate to another cozy spot safely tucked away from outsiders.
Preventing spiders from entering your home can be a simple but effective way to reduce the number of eight-legged guests you encounter. Start at the source by sealing off any cracks and gaps around windows that spiders could potentially use as entrance points. Make sure you check door and window frames, air ducts, and exterior walls for any openings — spiders can squeeze into even the smallest crevices! To further protect your home from creepy crawlers, keep tree branches away from windows and clear debris from near the foundation to avoid attracting spiders and other food sources for spiders, such as insects. Also, clearing out cluttered areas, removing existing webs, and regular cleanings can also go a long way when it comes to preventing spiders from getting cozy in your home. With that said, if you have an existing issue with a spider infestation, the help of an exterminator may be the best option.
Fruit Flies
During the winter months, homes can become infested with fruit flies.
Fruit flies thrive in warm temperatures. This means that during the colder months, they take refuge in our homes to find warmth, food, and a place to lay their eggs.
Because they reproduce quickly, what starts out as a few can very easily become an infestation if left unchecked. To avoid this problem, always be sure to keep counters and drains clean, keep your garbage can sealed, and store fruit and vegetables in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. By cutting off their food source, you can help mitigate the issue.
Cockroaches
During colder months, cockroaches are almost everywhere. This is because the winter weather offers them the perfect conditions to thrive and survive – warm, moist indoors with plenty of food and shelter available. These pests are hardy species, and when temperatures begin to drop, they migrate inside homes looking for their ideal climate.
Unfortunately, they can reproduce quickly, creating an infestation in no time at all.
To prevent cockroaches from ruining your winter season, take proactive measures such as filling cracks and crevices that provide access to your home or hiring professional pest control services. Additionally, keep your house clean – avoid leaving food lying around on counters, sweep often, empty garbage cans daily, and wipe away spills immediately!
Ladybugs
During the winter time, ladybug infestations become a common sight, and it can be intimidating to see hundreds of them at once. The reason behind this is pheromones; pheromones are natural chemicals released by ladybugs that help them communicate with each other in order to locate food sources, find potential mates, and also seek warm shelter during cold climates. During the autumn season, pheromones start filling the air and lead ladybugs to particular areas, thus leading to large groupings of them as they look for a temperate place to hibernate till spring arrives. Ladybugs need a warm environment that protects them from freezing temperatures which makes buildings an attractive option for them and commonly leads to large ladybug colonies near home dwellings and other structures.
Although ladybugs don’t pose a direct risk to humans, their unexpected presence in our homes can result in annoyance and frustration.
The most sure-fire way to prevent an infestation is to seal up any potential entry points around windows, doors and pipe or wire entry points into your home. That said, if the ladybug invasion has already begun, it’s important to call in for a professional pest control treatment as soon as possible. Fighting an infestation on your own could take weeks or longer with no guarantee that you’ve done it right. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by winter’s new uninvited occupants!
Your Local Pest Control Specialists
The Killers Pest Control is the Portland area’s go-to for reliable pest control services. We understand that every customer is unique and may come to us with a different set of needs as well as budget constraints – which is why we offer a variety of treatment plans for our customers! Our team of technicians performs a thorough inspection of your property prior to recommending the best solution based on your individual situation. The inspection will enable us to discuss findings and come up with the best plan for you, whether it’s an ongoing service or a one-time visit. At The Killers Pest Control, we are confident that we have the right solution for you.
Our pest control experts are here to help you with all your pest issues. We offer various services, including:
- Rodent Control
- Bed Bug Treatments
- Termite Control
- And a long list of other varieties of pests.
Don’t wait – contact The Killers Pest Control today!
