Month: January 2025

 

 

A few weeks ago, we visited migratory insects that employed a “get out of town” strategy to avoid chilly temperatures. Among the most beloved of all of these vagabonds is the iconic monarch butterfly. We learned of the dramatic decline of migratory eastern and western populations of monarchs due to habitat destruction, pesticides, and global climate change in their overwintering refuges abroad and here in the United States.  On December 10, 2024, the US Fish and Wildlife Service posted notice of its intent to seek protection of monarch butterflies under the endangered species act. The Fish and Wildlife Service has created a dynamite collection of resources to inform federal, tribal, state, and local governments, farmers and ranchers, managers of rights-of-way, home gardeners, educators, and international stakeholders on ways to help protect and conserve these remarkable insects.

Not all populations of monarchs are migratory. Unlike some North American monarchs that summer in northern latitudes and migrate to moderate southern locations to overwinter, several populations of monarchs abandoned their inherent migratory life styles in warm places like Florida and Hawai’i. In these locations benign temperatures with ample rainfall produce flowers with nectar for adults even in winter. A season-long supply of milkweeds for caterpillars enables monarchs to remain at home year-round completing multiple generations each year. In Jacksonville, Florida, a week before Christmas small twigs were decorated with gorgeous chrysalises soon to become striking monarch butterflies ready to celebrate the holidays.    

While lamenting the seasonal absence of monarchs in my Maryland garden, I was able to have one last visit with these royals on a post-Thanksgiving trip to Jacksonville, Florida. In parts of Florida and other southern states, non-migratory monarchs have taken up permanent residence in locations where milkweeds and other flowering plants flourish year-round. In a previous episode we met another population of non-migratory population of monarchs on the big island of Hawai’i.  Elsewhere, other populations of non-migratory monarchs reside in far-flung lands including Pacific and Caribbean islands, countries in Europe, Central, and South America, Morocco, Australia, and New Zealand. A fascinating study revealed differences between migratory North American monarchs and non-migratory monarchs in Costa Rica. Costa Rican monarchs are descendants of migratory ancestors from North America. Scientists discovered that Costa Rican monarchs had significantly smaller forewings than their North American kin. Large wing size in North American monarchs is likely under strong selection and maintained to ensure success for monarchs destined to migrate hundreds or thousands of miles to overwintering sites. Through time, morphological traits such as long wings that support long distance migration apparently dwindled in non-migratory populations of monarchs.

We all have a role to play in preserving our iconic monarch butterflies. The US Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that home gardeners plant pesticide-free, regionally native milkweeds and native nectar plants in their landscapes. Also, select a montage of pollinator attractors that bloom season-long to provide a continuous source of nectar and pollen for butterflies. Even if you have a small patio or balcony, you can enjoy supporting monarchs by using pollinator attractors that thrive in planters and containers. Many are already engaged in helping to preserve our iconic migratory monarchs. Here’s hoping more will join this effort in 2025 and beyond.

Bug of the Week wishes everyone a joyous New Year.

Acknowledgements

The information packed article “Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Species Act Protection for Monarch Butterfly; Urges Increased Public Engagement to Help Save the Species” by Melissa Clark provided great insights into actions we can all take to help conserve monarch butterflies. “Seasonal plasticity in morphology and metabolism differs between migratory North American and resident Costa Rican monarch butterflies” by Ayşe Tenger-Trolander, Cole R. Julick, Wei Lu, Delbert André Green, Kristi L. Montooth, and Marcus R. Kronforst helped us understand how evolution shapes morphology and physiology on migratory and non-migratory populations of monarch butterflies. Special thanks to the Shrewsbury clan for providing habitat for monarch butterflies that served as the inspiration for this episode. You can learn more about protecting and enhancing pollinators in urban landscapes at this website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/uploads/files/pollinators/protectpollinatorsinlandscapes2019-web.pdf

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If you want to win the fight against pests, you need a strategic, proactive approach. That’s just one of the reasons year-round pest prevention and control is so important. Explore winter pest control tips and details about pests that are active in winter to better protect your property in every season. 

Common Misconceptions About Winter Pests 

Many people believe that as the temperature drops, pests die off, hibernate, and stop causing problems. Unfortunately, even though some pests are more active during warmer weather, others simply move indoors and remain active all winter long.

Myth: Pests Are Only a Problem in Warmer Months 

Although you’re far less likely to have to deal with mosquitoes in winter, some warm-weather pests will emerge on warm winter days. Ticks are a prime example of typically “summer” insects that can still cause problems during the winter, particularly on days when temperatures are above freezing. Other pests, including cockroaches and ants, either move indoors or simply remain inside throughout the season. Rodents start becoming a problem for many property owners as the temperatures dip during fall and winter as they seek warmth, food, and shelter. 

Importance of Winter Pest Awareness 

The more you know, the better prepared you can be to maintain a pest-free home. Winter pest awareness is the key to preventing problems and guiding your preventative strategies for a pest-free season. Many winter pests, including rodents, can pose a health risk and may damage your home, underscoring the importance of preventing infestations. 

Pests That Remain Active in Winter 

Birds often fly south, and many flying insects either relocate or hibernate until spring. For other pests, however, winter is business as usual.

Common Winter Pests 

Rodents, including house mice, deer mice, Norway rats, and roof rats, are among winter’s most common home invaders. These critters can easily enter through even relatively small gaps and cracks and typically do so in search of food and a cozy spot to nest for the winter. In addition to rodents, other common winter home invaders include: 

• Ants 
• Bed bugs 
• Beetles, including stink bugs 
• Box elder bugs 
• Centipedes 
• Cockroaches 
• Silverfish 
• Spiders 

Hidden Infestations 

Pests seeking indoor lodging for winter typically find out-of-the-way spots to hide. Attics, basements, crawl spaces, and wall voids — all areas you rarely inspect —can provide cozy nesting locations. They can also conceal infestations, allowing the pest population to continue growing unchecked. 

Why Homes Become Pest Havens in Winter 

Cold temperatures force many pests, including insects, rodents, and nuisance wildlife, to alter their typical behaviors to survive. For many, that means finding warm, cozy spots to spend the season. For others, easy access to food and water drives pests indoors. 

Shelter and Warmth 

You aren’t the only one who wants to come in out of the cold. Finding warm shelter from winter’s weather and other predators is a major factor in why many pests invade human spaces. 

Access to Food and Water 

Whether snow blankets the ground or not, outdoor food and water sources are usually in relatively short supply. To survive, pests like rodents and cockroaches seek human spaces with easy access to crumbs, garbage, and moisture.

Benefits of Year-Round Pest Control 

Instead of viewing pest control as a response to existing infestations, it’s better to consider it a proactive step in maintaining a pest-free environment. You could use pest control as a season-specific way to control problems. Better yet, with year-round pest control, you can get a better handle on stopping problems before they start and catch issues before they become widespread. 

Proactive Prevention 

Research suggests that homeowners only see about one-tenth of the pest activity actually occurring in their homes and on their properties. With year-round pest control, you can: 

• Disrupt breeding cycles 
• Create protective barriers around the home and property 
• Use effective preventative steps customized to your home’s seasonal challenges 
• Lower overall pest activity 

Avoiding Larger Problems 

Year-round pest control services increase the odds of catching an infestation early. Many insects and rodents breed quickly, which means undetected pests can rapidly increase their populations when left unchecked. The larger the infestation, the trickier it can be to control. 

Health and Safety 

Bed bugs, rodents, cockroaches, and other winter pests can be problematic. Rodents and cockroaches are notorious for carrying disease-causing germs. Bed bugs and spiders can leave little bites and trigger allergies. A healthy, safe winter season starts with a pest-free home. 

Winter Pest Control Tips 

Winter pest control is absolutely essential. Although professional services play a big role in keeping your property pest-free, there are also several steps you can take to maintain a healthy home. 

Inspect and Seal Entry Points 

Insects, rodents, and nuisance wildlife often enter through uncapped chimneys, open vents, and gaps and cracks in foundations, walls, rooflines, and around windows and doors. Seal small openings with steel wool and caulk or cover them with metal sheeting or Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems, which offer permanent, chemical-free barriers. Cap off chimneys, add screening to vents, and install door sweeps and caulk around windows as needed. 

Maintain Cleanliness 

Keeping a clean, tidy home reduces food sources and hiding spots. Wipe down the counters and frequently vacuum floors to get rid of crumbs. Clear out clutter and wash dishes promptly to make your home a less appealing winter vacation spot for pests. 

Monitor for Signs of Pests 

Keep an eye out for any signs of pest activity. The sooner you catch them, the faster you can eliminate the problem.

Utilize Professional Services 

Let the professionals do the heavy lifting. When you work with a trusted pest control company, you can rest assured that experts will be working on your behalf all year long.

When to Call a Professional 

Most pest problems can’t be safely and effectively handled as a do-it-yourself project. Calling professionals to help remove the pests and create a preventative strategy can make all the difference in winter and beyond. 

Signs of a Persistent or Severe Infestation 

Where there’s one pest, there’s usually more. If you see live insects, rodents, or animals or evidence of their presence, you likely have a more widespread problem than you think.

Benefits of Professional Winter Pest Control Services 

The pros have the training, experience, and equipment needed to get to the heart of the problem. They can also effectively remove all pests while keeping your home and family safe. 

Contact Catseye Pest Control for Assistance Keeping Your Home Pest-Free this Winter 

Don’t let pest problems leave you feeling frozen in fear. Partner with industry-leading experts to prevent pests from moving into your home in winter and every other season. Our licensed, experienced technicians will perform a thorough inspection to assess potential entry points and develop a customized plan for year-round pest prevention and control. Contact Catseye Pest Control today to learn more or to schedule a free inspection. 

The post Do I Need Pest Control in the Winter? Why Year-Round Protection Matters appeared first on Catseye Pest Control.

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Roughly 21 million American homes deal with mice every year. Learning why mice typically move into human spaces and the most common mouse entry points can help you keep them out of your home for good. Explore these details and tips for preventing mice from entering your home to ensure some mouse-free peace of mind.

Why Understanding Mouse Entry Points Matters 

When you know where mice might enter your home, you can seal up potential entry points and block them from ever breaking in, which is one key to keeping your property and everyone in it happy, healthy, and safe.

The Risks Associated with Mice in Your Home 

Mice have voracious appetites, often eating up to 20 times daily. This means they will immediately start invading your pantry and so much more. Mice will gnaw on just about anything, including insulation, structural elements, and even wiring. Over time, infestations can lead to damage throughout your home and an increased risk of electrical shorts. Additionally, these messy and inquisitive critters can contaminate your home and expose you and your family to health risks, including:

• Allergies and asthma 
• Salmonella 
• Leptospirosis 
• Rat bite fever 
• Hantavirus 
• Ticks, fleas, mites, and other secondary pests carried in by mice 

Common Entry Points for Mice 

No matter how hard you try to eliminate an infestation, if you don’t address (and monitor) potential entry points, you will still struggle with mice. You could be looking for signs of mice in the attic when, in reality, they are actually getting in somewhere else entirely.

Mice are excellent climbers, jumpers, and swimmers. Not to mention, they can wriggle their way through openings as tiny as the width of a dime. Explore some of the most common areas where mice enter homes so you can better guard against these agile invaders.

Gaps and Cracks in the Structure 

Think of mice as little Houdinis. They can slip through seemingly impossible spots to seek out food and shelter. Gaps, cracks, and holes in foundations, walls, floors, and around doors and windows can leave your home vulnerable.

Utility Lines and Vents 

The opening around utility lines may be just enough to let these scampering scoundrels inside. They may also exploit the openings provided by vents, along with gaining entry via the chimney. In rare instances, mice can even crawl through pipes and sewer lines, although this is typically a last resort option. 

Garage and Basement Entry 

Every time your garage door opens and closes, it could potentially be welcoming in mice. Additionally, any gaps below the door’s seal can also give them easy access. Spots underneath decks and porches are often overlooked danger zones. In short, any openings could lure mice (and other pests) directly into crawl spaces and basements. 

Mouse Behaviors That Lead Them Indoors 

Now that you know a little about how mice often get into homes and other buildings, let’s dive a little deeper into why they want to be inside. 

Seasonal Patterns 

Mice are active year-round. However, many homeowners notice an uptick in infestations during fall and winter when mice seek out warm, cozy spots to settle in and nest. They often breed in late winter and spring, with populations soaring throughout the warmer months. As their food options dwindle outdoors in fall, they often seek food indoors. 

Food and Shelter Preferences 

Mice are surprisingly versatile eaters. As omnivores, they consume both meat and plants, with a strong preference for fruits, seeds, grains, and carbohydrate-rich foods. However, their diet extends to whatever they can scavenge, including crumbs, chocolate, and even garbage. When it comes to shelter, mice seek warm, quiet, and hidden areas, making spaces like attics, wall voids, basements, and behind appliances particularly attractive. 

Preventing Mice from Entering Your Home 

A proactive approach to mouse control will always be more effective than waiting until you have a problem to take action. Luckily, there are many ways you can fortify your home against mice and prevent them from becoming uninvited houseguests.

Sealing Entry Points 

If you prevent mice from being able to easily enter the premises, you will lower your risk of an infestation significantly. Install door sweeps, apply weatherstripping around windows, add screening to vents and chimneys, repair damaged window screens, and seal up any cracks. A combination of caulk and steel wool can be effective. Installing Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems is another ideal option for providing a permanent barrier and humane, chemical-free protection.

Removing Attractants

Mice have a keen sense of smell and a strong motivation to find food. Regular cleaning, including sweeping or vacuuming and wiping counters to eliminate crumbs can help. Similarly, it’s essential to store food (including pet food and bird seed) in airtight containers and reduce clutter, which could provide prime hiding spots.

Using Deterrents 

In addition to eliminating their options for food and shelter, you might try some DIY deterrents. For example, natural repellents like peppermint essential oil on cotton balls use their sharp sense of smell against them, warding them off. Ultrasonic devices that emit sounds that rodents don’t like may also help deter mice. 

When to Call Professional Pest Control 

Mouse control is not a DIY project. While homeowners can do a lot on their own to minimize the risk of infestations, it’s essential to call for professional help ASAP if you suspect mice have invaded.

Recognizing Signs of a Severe Infestation 

Mice are typically more active at night, which means you might not see them at all. However, if you do catch a glimpse of a mouse, you can assume that there are many more in hiding. Other signs include: 

• Droppings on floors, near food storage areas, cupboards, drawers, and under sinks 
• Damaged food packaging 
• Shredded insulation, paper, plant matter 
• Gnaw marks on walls, floods, and other items 
• Stale odors coming from infrequently trafficked areas 

Benefits of Professional Help 

When you work with professionals, you can rest assured that you’re getting to the root of the problem. Pest control professionals undergo extensive training, which helps them identify the species infesting your home and how and why they are getting in. They use this information to create an effective treatment plan to get rid of mice once and for all. Plus, pros have the equipment needed to ensure rodent problems are dealt with safely, keeping you and your family protected. 

Contact Catseye Pest Control to Keep Mice Out of Your House 

Partner with industry leading professionals to keep your home mouse-free year-round. Catseye’s expert technicians will guide you through the entire process. From the initial inspection to providing tips for preventing mice from entering your home in the future, we are here for you. Contact Catseye Pest Control to learn more or schedule a free inspection to get started. 

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