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December 10, 2018

By: Charlotte Parker

Not all pests go into hibernation in the winter.  Many of them enter homes to look for food and seek shelter. If you want to know the most common winter pests and ways to prepare for pest control, keep reading for tips from a professional rat exterminator.

The Most Common Winter Pests

Raccoons

These pests, which are common hosts of rabies, enter homes through chimneys and attics to look for a place to set up their den. 

Rats, House Mice, and Rodents

They are active throughout the year, and they’re not hibernating in the winter. While breeding slows down during the cold months, they’re invading homes for food and warmth. Both houses and outhouses are perfect places for these pests. They hide in crawl spaces in sheds and garages and beneath homes where they find insulated spaces, leading to a rat infestation in the winter. 

On the other hand is the house mouse that usually hides in secluded and undisturbed areas of the home, such as basements and attics.  House mice can damage your property if they’re not controlled because they chew through wires and drywall. These pests also spread diseases, such as tapeworms and salmonella, and contaminate food. For basics on how to prevent rat infestation, do not leave food outdoors or pack food crumbs.  Keep your house clean, too.

Cockroaches

They enter your home through grocery bags, boxes, and secondhand appliances.  Cockroaches are also in places where moisture is building up, including in bathrooms and kitchens. They can also spread bacteria and pathogens and contaminate food.  Allergens from these pests can trigger and worsen asthma symptoms.

Recluse Spiders

These pests are in the attics, basements, crawl spaces, closets, and other undisturbed and isolated places.  Recluse spiders also build their webs in ceiling corners, window moldings, and boxes.  These spiders have venom that can pose danger to a human.

Winter Pest Control Guide

  • For tips to prepare pest control in the winter, check out the following for a short guide.
  • Debris, including sticks and leaves, are attractive nesting and breeding places for pests.  Clean out the gutter to prevent pests from building their shelter above your home.
  • Keep your home tidy. You should clean up the leftover scraps or crumbs on the floors and counters immediately.
  • For this season of baking, different products, such as chocolate chips, nuts, flour and seeds in pest-proof containers, are in your pantry or kitchen.  They’re a favorite among pests. Store them in pest-proof containers; make sure to clean up food spills and crumbs.
  • Firewood is a perfect shelter for roaches because wood collects moisture. Keep the firewood covered and at least 20 feet from home.  You should also keep firewood piles away from the exterior wall of your garden shed or home in order to prevent pests from making their way indoors.
  • Rake the leaves that can be hiding places for pests. Dispose of all the leaves around your garden particularly those near your home.
  • Inspect your home for any cracks, openings, and damage where pests could enter your home, especially on the windows and doors. Seal gaps and openings. You should also repair or seal access points.
  • Make sure to hose down the plants that you plan to bring inside your home in order to prevent pests from entering inside.   Gently rinse off the undersides and top of the leaves of the plants.
  • Check for pest activity and continue monitoring your home for pests, including rodents. Do outdoor and indoor inspection and maintenance from time to time. A good rat exterminator can help you with it.
  • If you’re planning to use the chimney in the cold winter months, you should check that there are no pests, including squirrels, bats, and birds that can take shelter in the chimney.  Clean the chimney and ensure its cap is in place.
  • Keep the lawn clean to eliminate any potential pest shelter. Get rid of pest shelters or hiding spots for pests, such as snails and slugs. 

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