Even as cold weather comes upon us, homeowners should still keep an eye out for overwintering pests. Why? Because winter doesn’t make pests go away, it just drives them inside where it’s warm. A variety of insects and rodents like to come indoors to overwinter until spring. Hiding out in walls, attics, and basements, without proper care, you could be sharing your home with uninvited guests.
Senske Services understand what it takes to keep pests out and how to remove them if they do invade. Here is some expert advice for protecting your home from winter pests.
What is Overwintering and Why Winter Pest Control Matters
Overwintering is when pests hibernate or otherwise take shelter when the weather gets cold. Warm, dark places in your home make a perfect target for pests to take up residence. For this reason, pest control should be on every homeowners’ minds in winter.
Pests left alone will eventually come out of hiding in search for food. The last thing you want to see is a rodent or insect running across your kitchen counter. Besides, pests will often leave messes and unpleasant odors behind, even damaging your home if they are burrowing in the walls.
Winter Pests to Watch Out For
There are a number of pests that may like to move into your house. These overwintering pests can include:
- Ladybugs
- Box Elders
- Stink Bugs
- Caterpillars
- Crickets
- Moths
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Rats and House Mice
How to Prevent a Winter Pest Infestation
Winter pests can be hard to spot at first, but sooner or later you will know if they are in your home. There are some methods you can use to keep unwanted pest infestations out. These include:
- Seal cracks or caulk crevices found around your homes’ foundation, siding, crawl spaces, doors, windows, or other spaces
- Keep your gutters clean from leaf piles or pine needles
- Be sure to clean out your chimney if you have one
- Take extra care to keep the inside of your home clean, deny hiding places or potential food sources
- Schedule a regular pest control service from professionals
Are you dealing with an infestation from overwintering pests or are you looking for assistance with pest-proofing your home? Contact your local Senske Services for a free quote on all pest control services.
