Common Winter Pests & Ways To Prevent Them

Mosquitos, spiders, flies, and more are pests that you normally think of as summer bugs. This is due to the fact that these insects are cold-blooded and tend to be more active in the summer months. With that being said though, some pests are just as big of a problem when the temperature drops. Here Lookout Pest Control, formerly Any Pest Inc., names a few common winter pests and ways you can prevent them from entering your home this season.

Common Winter Pests

Mice

Winter is that time of the year when many pests make their way indoors to seek out shelter and warmth. Of those pests, mice are the most commonly encountered rodent in the United States during winter. House mice usually make a home in dark, secluded areas like attics and basements. These pests can cause serious property damage by chewing through walls and also wires that can then spark an electrical fire. Mice are also known to contaminate food and spread diseases, including Salmonella and tapeworms. To avoid mice infesting your home this winter, follow these preventative steps:

• Seal Entrance Points – Mice are sly little creatures that can fit through the tiniest places. So, make sure to seal any holes that could act as entrances into your house that they could climb through. Deer mice are exceptional climbers, so make sure to look in places higher up, too.
• Clean-Up – Food, dirty clothes, and piles of paper attract rodents. The best way to prevent them from entering is to keep your place as clean as possible.
  • Don’t leave food out on the counters and pick up crumbs
  • Don’t leave clothes in a pile on the floor
  • Throw out piles of paper
  • Keep things tidied up
  • Avoid clutter around the house and garage
  • Throw out trash
• Get A Pet – One of the most effective methods to prevent rodents is to get a pet. Not only are they lovable and cuddly, but they can scare off any potential threat to your home or business.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are some of the most common household pests found throughout the world. They prefer to live in small spaces close to food and water. Cockroaches often find their way indoors via bags, boxes or secondhand appliances, and are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches can contaminate food and spread bacteria and human pathogens. To prevent the infestation of cockroaches in your home be sure to take these preventative steps this winter.

• Dispose of Unwanted Clutter – Make sure that unused boxes, paper bags, piles of clutter, old newspapers and magazines are all disposed of.
• Clean Dishes – Do not let dirty dishes sit out.
• Eliminate Water Source – Roaches need water just like they need food. Fix any leaky pipes and never leave standing water in your sink or tub.
• Seal Your House – Roaches can find their way inside through the smallest of cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps, cracks, openings around pipes and any other areas of entry.
• Vacuum Regularly – Make sure to vacuum to eliminate potential sources of food.
• Store Pet Food – Roaches can feed off open pet food in your garage or on your porch. Be sure everything is sealed after use.
• Clean Around Appliances – Be sure to clean those hard-to-reach areas behind your fridge and stove. Also, consider cleaning inside of microwave and toaster ovens as well.

Spiders

There are more than 35,000 known spider species in the world, with only about 3,500 of those appearing in the United States. In general, spiders are beneficial creatures, preying and feeding on flies, crickets, mites, and other household pests. Most are harmless to humans but still can be a nuisance. To prevent spiders from entering your home this season, be sure to follow these simple preventative steps:

• Keep a tidy home.
• Don’t leave food out that will attract other insects, in turn attracting spiders.
• Vacuum up spider webs on a regular basis.
• Seal up any cracks or entry points in your home.
• Keep up with landscaping. Don’t keep plants or vegetation directly against your home.

Raccoons

Raccoons are commonly found in the wooded eastern portions of the country. So being in the south we see our fair share of wildlife. Raccoons occasionally will find entry into homes through attics or chimneys in search of a warm place to habitat. The problem with raccoons is that they are known to be infested with diseases and can be a health concern. To prevent these wildlife creatures from hanging out around your home, follow these easy preventative steps:

• Seal Your Garbage Bags
• Tighten Your Lids
• Lock Your Trashcans (if possible)
• Repellents Can Be Helpful
• Install Preventative Lights
• Clean The Trash Cans

Need Winter Pest Control?

Here at Lookout Pest Control we combine the highest quality work with the best customer service available in the industry. We have been protecting residential and commercial properties for over three decades with our pest control services. If you are looking to keep your property pest and wildlife-free this season, be sure to give us a call at 678-888-0035.