During the winter, it is common for everyone to try to find a warmer place indoors. People spend more time inside their houses, and pests may also try to build homes there. Insects, rodents, birds, and bats are more likely to infest a home during colder months. Homes make it easier to find a reliable source of food, water, and sleeping space. To prevent pests, homeowners have to employ several tactics. Keep reading to learn which pests are likely to enter a home during the winter, and a few things you can do about it.
Rodents
Rodent infestations are particularly problematic because they can chew through wallboard and wiring, causing significant damage quickly. They can also carry diseases and contaminate food stored in loose packaging or left out. Rodents that commonly infest homes during the winter include:
- Mice
- Rats
- Raccoons
- Squirrels
Rodents prefer to hide where they cannot be seen, like in the walls, behind cabinets, or underneath clutter. They search for a space that provides quick access to food and water. If your home is by a body of water, you’ll need to be extra aware of any points where moisture is sneaking through and attracting rodents. First-time waterfront homebuyers should be aware of the additional effort they’ll have to take on this front if they’re used to living in a drier home.
Mice and rats may be accustomed to humans, so they are more likely to build a nest in places where humans are close. It can be difficult to find a rodent infestation, especially ones that live exclusively in the attic or roof.
Insects
As soon as the temperatures start to drop, insects begin looking for a winter home. Some insects will burrow underground or enter a dormant stage until spring. Others will search for a warmer place with protection from the elements. Homeowners should plan for the possibility that they may have to deal with these insects:
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Moths
- Bed Bugs
- Fleas
Although homeowners may notice an infestation inside the house, insects are more likely to hide in infrequently-used places, like an outdoor shed, basement, or garage. Insects tend to infest specific parts of the home, which means that the treatment method depends on the species.
Birds
Although an infestation of birds or bats is less common than rodents or insects, homeowners should still be prepared for the possibility. Birds that have a hard time finding a place to keep a nest may look for openings in the home exterior. It is not uncommon to find birds’ nests in the gutters or eaves of a roofing structure. Sometimes, birds will fly down an open chimney and get trapped in the major living areas of the home.
In certain areas, bats in the home can also be a problem. Bats are nocturnal and will look for a dark, quiet place to sleep. They are commonly found in unconditioned buildings on the property, like a barn, shed, or workspace.
How to Manage Winter Pest Problems
In most cases, eliminating a pest problem is much harder than preventing it in the first place. The good news is that there are multiple options. With these pest prevention tips, homeowners will have a few options that they can try to keep winter pests from becoming a major issue.
Clean and Declutter
Pests can easily build a home indoors if they can hide under mess and clutter, so homeowners should start by cleaning the space. Insects and rodents need a predictable source of food and water. Cleaning up food particles and keeping rooms uncluttered will make it harder for the pests to find nutrition. It is important to clean floors, corners, and the insides of cabinets regularly, to minimize the number of safe spaces for pests.
Seal Gaps
Smaller pests get into the home through tiny gaps. People may be surprised by the minimal space it takes for rodents to easily fit through. Homeowners should inspect the home exterior for gaps around the windows, doors, foundation, and roofing structure. If any small gaps are found, closing them with caulk can hinder the movement of rodents and insects. Sealing some holes, particularly those in the attic or roof, may require a professional.
Protect Outdoor Storage
Even a tightly-sealed home is prone to infestation from the outside, particularly for homeowners who store home items in an outdoor space. For example, bringing loose décor items or firewood inside from an outdoor shed can introduce pests like mice or termites. Storing firewood and other outdoor items in bins can reduce access. People should keep firewood dry, at least 20 feet away from the home, and only bring it inside when they are ready to use it.
Hire a Professional Team
Ultimately, winter pest control may require the services of a professional exterminator. In many cases, an infestation is much larger and more complex than it looks. Insect colonies can exceed hundreds, particularly if they live outside and use the home as a quick food or water source. A professional exterminator can identify the location of the infestation and create a plan to completely eradicate it.
Start Practical Pest Prevention Today
Preventing pests from infesting a home is a regular task, but it can be a particular problem during the winter. Cold temperatures, precipitation, and a lack of growing things can make it harder for pests to survive outside, so they go indoors. Once homeowners realize they have a pest problem, they may need multiple tools to resolve it. Winter pest control ranges from a thorough cleaning to hiring an exterminator. Taking a comprehensive approach can make it easier for homeowners to reduce the number of pests and prevent an infestation from getting worse.
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