Eight Pests that Might Infest Your Home in Winter and How to Prevent an Infestation

For most homeowners, winter might be a problematic season since some insects come inside during this time. Most winter pests will scare homeowners and cause general annoyance. If you do not want to deal with rodents or insects when it gets cold, be aware of the common pests that may infest homes in winter. Also, you should know when it’s right to contact a pest control technician from greenpestservices.net. Generally, bugs are annoying; however, below are some that may show up in winter:
Ants
These insects can infiltrate your home through tiny cracks, through eaves, under windows and doors, and in firewood. Ants usually enter homes to seek refuge from the harsh conditions outside and find food sources. That is why they may end up in pantries and kitchens. Sealing entry points and keeping your home clean can help prevent an ant infestation.
Cockroaches
Nobody wants roaches in their homes as these are filthy and disease-carrying pests. Sadly, they prefer to take up residence in damp and warm places such as bathroom cabinets, humid rooms, and under or behind dishwashers. Killing roaches may not be easy. Sometimes, they can survive several hits. But if you successfully kill them, you deal with an unpleasant sight. Check pipes for leaks and repair them quickly to prevent a roach infestation. Also, seal around entry points through pipes into your home. Clean the gutters and store items in containers made of plastic.
Fleas
These pests will hitch a ride into your house on your pets. To prevent a flea infestation, treat your pets with anti-flea solutions. Check the rugs, furniture, carpets, and pet bedding for any signs of fleas. Mow the grass and trim shrubs regularly to give fleas less space to hide.
Spiders
Most spiders are harmless unless you deal with the brown recluse or black widow. Spiders are everywhere and come inside frequently in the winter to find warm, damp locations to hide. These places can be boxes, rarely used corners, and basements. To prevent a spider infestation, store used items in tightly sealed containers and seal entry points in your home’s exterior. Outdoor lights should be kept off. Block the inside light by using curtains or blinds. While spiders are not drawn to the lights, other insects are attracted to them. Spiders feed on these insects.
Ticks
Some tick varieties are quite active in the colder months. They may ride in clothes or on pets, so keep an eye out when you stay outdoors.
Bed Bugs
You may have issues with bed bugs if you travel over winter break or for the winter holidays. If you bring them back to your home, they become a mess. They can give you sleepless nights as you feel anxious about their presence in your bedroom. Bed bugs are bloodsuckers and give you visible and distinct bite marks the next day.
Mice and Rats
Rodents such as mice and rats seek shelter and warmth when it gets cold outside. They can easily fit their bodies through small openings, so sealing up entry points is important to prevent them from taking up residence in your home. Also, eradicating food and water sources is necessary to make your home less attractive to these rodents.
Termites
Termites stay active all year round. While they are quite active in summer, species like the subterranean termites go deeper into the ground to avoid the cold during the winter. Otherwise, these pests will sneak inside homes to access warmth. You can prevent a termite infestation in winter by minimizing moisture, sealing entry points, and installing barriers around the house. Reducing moisture can be done by fixing leaky pipes and faucets, improving ventilation, cleaning gutters, and using dehumidifiers.