Many homeowners erroneously believe that, once the temperatures drop, the pests go away.
Yet, often the opposite happens. Colder conditions mean certain animals look for warmth, shelter, and food – which, in turn, leaves them to the interior of your home.
This path encompasses a large swath of pests. So, as winter’s already here, we list the most common ones you’ll encounter:
1. Winged Carpenter Ants
These aren’t a concern in summer; plenty of homeowners see an ant or two fly through and think nothing of it. Yet, in winter, their presence signals a nest may have been built inside your home, and as a result, you could be dealing with an infestation.
2. Flies
Winter also sees a few flies enter your home.
A cluster flies signals a concern, particularly when your windows and doors are sealed.
Fruit flies, on the other hand, don’t enter from any opening. Rather, they’re brought in through fruits and vegetables and begin to multiply.
Moth flies, also known as drain flies, don’t necessarily cause damage. Yet, as they congregate around your sink, they turn into a nuisance.
3. Mice and Rats
Rodents of any kind like the warmth of your home and food supply. However, as a colony starts to form, your home’s structure may be compromised, potential for electrical fires increases, and you and your pets are exposed to several types of harmful bacteria, which rodents bring in or spread through their droppings and urine.
4. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs never let up – not even in winter. When you notice sores, red spots on your sheets, or see them crawling, an infestation is already present and tends to be difficult to get rid of. Unlike other pests, bedbugs can’t be sprayed or starved out, they multiply rapidly, and they gather in crevices, around holes, and in other difficult-to-reach areas.
5. Cockroaches
In winter, cockroaches seek out food and moisture and may enter your home through second-hand items and groceries. Once there, they tend to migrate toward your kitchen and bathroom, where they then spread bacteria, contaminate your food, and trigger allergies and asthma.
6. Spiders
Winter increases the presence of spiders in your home, and while most are harmless, not every species is. In fact, homeowners in certain parts of the country need to be on the lookout for brown recluse spiders, which enter through trees and shrubs and are known to bite and inject poisonous venom.
7. Raccoons
Raccoons first notice your home for your trash and recyclables and then try to enter through the attic, loose shingles, vents, or chimney to find a denning location for the winter. Once inside, these pests may spread rabies to you and your pets.
8. Termites
Spring and summer may be prime termite season, but these pests don’t stop seeking out wood in winter. Particularly this time of year, subterranean termites, known for going after your foundation, are an issue.
9. Pantry Pests
Especially in the winter, pantry pests are attracted to gains, flour, and cereal. These pests can chew through plastic, paper and even foil bags to get to those common pantry items.
10. Fleas
It’s true that fleas love warmer temperatures, but flea activity doesn’t stop during the winter. Once you bring them inside and they find something to feed on, fleas quickly turn into an indoor problem.
11. Wildlife
Although most animal activity slows down when it’s cold, wildlife in the winter can still cause problems, especially if they’ve built their winter home in, under, or near your house.
12. Overwinter Bugs
Certain insects may end up staying in your home from the summer through fall and into winter. Most are relatively innocuous but could turn into an annoyance with time:
- Stinkbugs
- Beetles
- Ladybugs
- Box elders
- Firewood bugs
Once you spot any of these pests, don’t hesitate or try at-home sprays and traps. Instead, get the professionals involved.
As Eliminate ‘Em offers 24-7 extermination service, give us a call, and we’ll be out there that same day to assess your property. Contact us at 1-866-802-7378 to schedule an appointment.
