It’s natural to forget about pest control during the winter. It’s cold, snowy, rainy or foggy outside. What would encourage pests like mice, ants and spiders to drop by the house for a visit? Houses are generally warmer and drier than the outdoor homes where critters typically dwell. Let’s not forget the enclosed sheds, barns and garages that are seldom disturbed by humans during cold weather.
Creatures consider any type of building a better residence than the outdoors and don’t care about our feelings in the matter.
Pests have no boundaries
Just like a hotel, some sections of your home are better than others for wintering pests. The inside of interior walls is usually warm and comfy. It’s one of the first places pests seek.
Rodents like mice and rats like to set up house in the pantry, attic, and garage. There’s more places to hide from household activity, start a new family, and find food to eat. Rats and mice only need about three weeks to produce a litter, and can start breeding again shortly after giving birth!
Spiders, wasps and wildlife such as raccoons find shelter in the attic. It’s the one part of the house that’s seldom disturbed by humans and pets. Raccoons can do a lot of structural damage to the roof and vents.
Neither cold nor hot weather has control over termites. The pests gnaw away at wood and other parts of a home without stopping. It’s a valid reason to have scheduled inspections by a licensed, reputable pest control service.
Because it’s hard to detect an infestation unless you’re a pro, inexpensive prevention will save a costly repair.
Set an appointment more easily in wintertime
Pest control technicians have more time to look over the interior and exterior of your home during the wintertime. Less appointments are scheduled because:
- Homeowners are busy planning holiday parties and events.
- Pests that aren’t visible are often the last thing on the homeowner’s mind.
Technicians will review prior checklists, including problems, treatments, and actions. That serves as a guide while they look for cracks in the roof, foundation, or outside walls that provide easy entry for rodents and other pests.
Wasps and cluster flies may overwinter under the eaves and any other protected area of your home. Eliminating them before spring decrease the risk of new colonies around the yard and buildings.
Tree limbs, pipes and power lines that lead to the house are other ways pests can reach a home. Pest control techs will explain the various methods available to reduce the threat without harming the family, pets or vegetation.