Summer is the peak season for bug activity, but year-round pest control must be maintained. This way, homes remain protected in the fall and winter. As the temperature drops, some pests invade homes to escape the cold. Pest control professionals at romneypestcontrol.com can advise you on keeping your home and family protected against all sorts of pests during the cooler months.
Common Pests That May Invade Homes in Cooler Seasons
As temperatures drop, bugs, rodents, and other pests are driven into houses to find warmth. But you will never want to live with these pests as they can carry diseases, contaminate your surfaces, or damage your home. Below are common pests to look out for in the fall and winter and how to protect your house against them:
- Cockroaches. The fall and winter months can drive roaches into your home. These cold-blooded pests cannot regulate their body temperatures. Sadly, they might look for a warm refuge, which can be your house. If you notice them inside, contact a pest control company immediately.
- Rodents. Mice and rats can inhabit your house when it gets colder outside. Also, they seek sources of food in the fall and winter because of the scarcity of their options outside. They can invade your attic and create nests in ceilings and walls to stay warm. Unfortunately, rodents can pose a threat to your health because of the disease they can transmit to you. In fact, rodent droppings and urine can contaminate your surfaces and foods with pathogens. So, if you find them anywhere in your house, take action quickly. Proper pest control is necessary against rodents.
- Spiders. A lot of spiders feed off insects. Thus, if insects invade your home in fall and winter, spiders may also inhabit it to hunt their prey. While the majority of spiders are not aggressive, they can defend themselves and bite when pressed up against. Their bites can be quite painful and can be dangerous when infected or made by a highly venomous spider. Professional pest control can eliminate spiders and insects from your home.
- Silverfish. These silver bugs live in dark, warm, and damp spots. As the weather gets colder, they can be driven inside. Apart from being unsightly, silverfish can damage paper, fabrics, and cardboard. Unfortunately, they are not easy to spot as they crawl when it’s dark at night. Also, they hide in crevices and cracks to avoid being detected. However, you will recognize their presence by their small pepper-like droppings or when you find holes in household items.
Fall and Winter Pest Prevention Tips
As a homeowner, you can take preventive measures to reduce your risk of pest invasions. During the fall and winter months, make your home unappealing for invaders. Here’s what you can do:
- Store food in sealed containers. Store food in metal or airtight containers, so pests cannot access it, especially rodents.
- Clean your home regularly. As pests like to congregate around trash, keep your bathroom and kitchen clean and take out trash frequently.
- Store unused items in the closet or attic in sealed containers. Pillows, blankets, and sweaters should be stored in vacuum-sealed and plastic containers.
- Seal entry points. Doors, crevices, and windows must be sealed properly to prevent pests from crawling indoors.
- Make sure the screens are in good condition. This makes it hard for insects to enter.
- Trim trees and bushes. This prevents rodents from accessing your home through tree branches and bushes.
Making it hard for pests to enter your home reduces your risk of an infestation. But if an infestation occurs or you are worried about possible fall and winter pests, contact a pest control company that can restore your peace of mind.
