It’s cold outside – even for pests such as rats, mice, spiders, and cockroaches. Unfortunately, these pests don’t hibernate through winter and instead seek warm shelter and easy access to food. Sound like your home? Most likely, yes, which is why you should take precautions to ensure your house doesn’t become a winter resort for pests.
Rats
Rats often turn up in basements during the winter months. Why? First, they choose locations that make it easy to hide. Second, many basements have piles of debris, stacks of boxes, and other undisturbed material that makes hiding that much easier. Even worse, rats can gnaw through almost anything – including plastic and lead pipes – in search of food and water.
Because rats can slip through the smallest of openings – even a crack as small as s quarter of an inch. fill any gaps or cracks with silicone caulk. In addition, eliminate sources of moisture in basements and crawl spaces. Regularly inspect your home, too, and if you see greasy run marks caused by the rat’s oily fur, it’s a sure sign that you have an infestation. Call a rat removal expert immediately.
Mice
Like rats, mice usually nest in dark, secluded areas such as basements and attics. They, too, are attracted to debris that makes it easier to hide. Mice can cause extensive damage by chewing through drywall, and they have also been known to cause electrical fires by chewing through wires. The same tactics used to keep out rats can be used to also keep out mice. Seal cracks and holes, remove debris, eliminate sources of moisture, and regularly inspect your home for gnaw marks and mouse droppings.
Spiders
Spiders are most often found in areas that are largely undisturbed – such as basements, attics, closets, and crawl spaces. They are also frequently found inside cardboard boxes, along window moldings, and in seldom-used clothing and shoes. Brown recluse spiders are of particular concern because their bite is venomous and can cause severe reactions to humans.
To reduce your chance of a spider infestation, trim trees and shrubs so they are not touching your home’s exterior. Cut back limbs overhanging the roof. In addition, store infrequently used clothes and shoes in plastic containers, as spiders find these to be wonderful hiding spots.
Cockroaches
The most common species of cockroach is the German cockroach, and these pests prefer to hang out in small areas with easy access to food and water – which makes your home the perfect dwelling. In the winter, they often enter your home as stowaways in boxes, secondhand appliances, and grocery bags. They frequently turn up in kitchens and bathrooms because these areas provide easy access to water.
Minimize your chance of becoming a roach motel by keeping counters and floors clean and free of crumbs, vacuuming frequently, and disposing of garbage regularly. Inspect your kitchens and bathrooms frequently, especially under sinks and appliances.
Call a Professional When You Need Help
Sometimes, no matter what you do, your home is a winter magnet for pests. At the first signs of an infestation, call Eco Pest Control. Our staff are trained on the control and extermination of rats, mice, spiders, and cockroaches. We can help you enjoy a warm winter inside, while keeping these pests out.
