Do I Need Pest Control in the Winter? Why Year-Round Protection Matters
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.
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