Summer is undoubtedly the peak season for insects. For homeowners, however, fall and winter pest problems can be even more of a headache, as the cold weather drives insects and rodents indoors.
Mice and rats, squirrels, and insects are just some of the critters finding their way into homes of all kinds. They follow their food sources and seek shelter from the cold weather in attics, basements, and other dark, dry areas of a house.
Pest control is not just a one-season activity; rather, it’s something that needs to be addressed year-round.
Top winter pests in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Insects don’t just die and go away completely during the winter. Many just hibernate for a few months. Homeowners in Northeast Pennsylvania should be aware of these common pests who seek shelter indoors this time of year:
- Mice: Mice are notorious chewers and can wreak havoc on a home’s electrical system by gnawing through wires. They are also notorious spreaders of disease, leaving urine and droppings behind as they scurry throughout a space. People with allergies or other health conditions can experience serious side effects from a rodent infestation.
- Rats: Rats are a bit less active in the winter than their mouse counterparts, but still seek shelter indoors. Rats want a food source and will look for it inside. They typically cause the same problems as mice—namely, chewing and potentially spreading disease.
- Cockroaches: Like most humans, cockroaches really dislike the cold. Room temperature is, unfortunately, the ideal climate for cockroaches. These insects have earned their reputation as a nuisance. Not only do they reproduce quickly in the right environment, but they are also known spreaders of diseases like salmonella, typhoid, and plague. Cockroaches can be very difficult to get rid of; contact a pest control professional rather than use a DIY method.
- Bedbugs: Fortunately, bed bugs do not carry disease. Unfortunately, they are very easy to transmit from place to place, and, like cockroaches, can be difficult to get rid of. Rather than spread disease, a bed bug will bite. The affected area will become red and itchy—the discomfort they cause is reason enough to consider them a nuisance.
- Silverfish: You don’t have to worry about silverfish carrying disease. Instead, these insects are highly destructive. They will eat almost anything—from carpeting to clothing, books to wallpaper. And once they find your food stash in your cupboard or pantry, they will easily make their way through it. This troublesome insect and why you don’t want them in your home.
- Boxelder bugs: These insects typically have long oval bodies with black or brown coloration, and red wing veins and markings on their midsections. They are usually found in trees (their primary food source) but cold weather sends them inside. Although they are not destructive, they can stain the upholstery on furniture and feed on houseplants.
- Firewood pests: If you store firewood outside, anytime you bring it indoors, you increase your chances of bringing wood-dwelling pests into your home. Termites, ants, click beetles, and wood-boring beetles can all infest firewood, and become a real nuisance if they come into your home. Inspect any firewood closely before bringing it inside.
How do you stop winter pests?
Prevention is the best approach to handling pest problems. This means making it as difficult as possible for unwanted critters to get inside. Here are some of the best ways to keep pests out:
- Secure entryways. The best way to keep pests out of your home any time of year is to secure all possible points of entry. Check around both windows and doors. Look for any holes, rips, or gaps in the frame or screen which could give pests easy access to your home. Repair the openings with mesh, weather stripping, or caulking. Also, look closely around chimneys, vents, and other areas of your home. They may seem like unlikely entry points, but many insects and rodents can squeeze through the smallest opening.
- Store firewood away from your home. It is recommended to store firewood at least 20 feet from your home’s exterior wall. This will make it more difficult for insects to move from the firewood to your home. Keeping the woodpiles covered adds another layer of protection against pests.
- Use the proper storage units. Store food in plastic or glass containers. Lids should fit the base properly and close tightly. Pests can easily chew through waxed paper or cardboard boxes, so put perishable food in something more secure to deter pests.
Why do you need pest control when it gets cold?
Regular pest management helps you identify and treat infestations early. A pest control professional can recognize possible entry points and take the necessary steps to seal them against potential pest infestations. An expert can also create a pesticide barrier around your home. The colder months are a great time to do this, as light, heat, and moisture, the three biggest factors that cause insects to thrive in the warmer months, are less prevalent during the winter.
Pest control experts can also conduct an attic treatment during the winter. The cool, dark, and dry environment in most attics make them the perfect place for insects like boxelder bugs, cockroaches, and other pests.
Regular maintenance by trained professionals like The Pest Rangers will help you address winter pest problems protected against unwanted pests all year long. Contact us below today.
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