Winter’s here, and with it come sneaky pests and critters trying to make their way into homes everywhere. Here are six common pests to watch out for this season.
Mice and Rats
No matter the time of year, mice and rodents are on the lookout for a warm place to stay. Winter, however, is their favorite time of year to slip through cracks and crevices into your pantry. Rodents often carry diseases with them, so take care of them quickly.
- Both mice and rats can squeeze their bodies through tiny openings, and don’t underestimate their ability to climb either
- They’re heavily motivated by food and places to hide, so your best bet is to keep areas clear of debris and store your food in airtight containers to keep these pests at bay
- If you’re already experiencing a rodent infestation, you’ll want to contact your local pest control services: if you saw one, you can bet there’s plenty more where it came from
Stay on top of rodent infestations with an experienced exterminator.
Cockroaches
The dreaded cockroach — thought to be indestructible, everywhere, and a problem all year round. Cockroach problems can worsen in winter as they often come indoors to look for food.
- Like rodents, cockroaches will thrive if there’s an easy food source for them to live off of, so make sure to keep food areas clean and take out the trash regularly
- Cockroaches are also happier in moist areas and around excess water, so if you have leaky pipes, repair them quickly and clean up any standing water
- Cockroach infestations can also be swiftly handled by a professional, so reach out if you need pest control in Daytona Beach, FL
They say that if you see one cockroach, you have ten, and if you see two, you likely have a hundred, so don’t sleep on this infestation.
Squirrels
Not everyone jumps right to squirrels when they think of pests, but these critters can be a huge problem, particularly during colder weather. While squirrels might seem a bit cuddlier than a rat or mouse, they’re certainly an annoyance and can cause damage to your home.
- Squirrels love to use attics and chimneys as their nests, so keep an eye out for any squatters you might have
- Keeping trees and shrubs nice and trimmed will discourage squirrels from climbing right up to your roof and making a home
Squirrels can chew through electrical wires and cause fires, so you don’t want them in your home. If you suspect that squirrels have invaded your home, then consider calling your local animal control services. They have the knowledge and expertise to safely remove squirrels and return them to their rightful habitat.
Bats and Birds
Bats and birds are particularly pesky due to one aspect: wings. Bats are also known for harboring diseases, so having a bat problem can be worrisome.
- Chimneys, in particular, are a favorite of bats as they’re dark and confined
- Birds, like squirrels, will often find a way into your home to nest, so check to see if you need to have them removed
- Seal any openings where these pests can fly into and make sure doors and windows stay shut
Bats and birds may seem like nice enough guests, but they are actually quite unsanitary, and their droppings can make your family or pets very sick. Just like the aforementioned squirrels, reach out to your nearest animal control experts when bats and birds are in your home. They will be able to remove the animals for you.
It’s Best to Call Pest Control Services
If you’re experiencing rodents, cockroaches, spiders, or other creepy crawlies this season, chances are the issue is a lot bigger than you’ve bargained for. Your safest and smartest choice is to hire a professional to eradicate the pests so you can get back to a cozy, stress-free winter.