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Every winter, pests seek refuge in the warmth of your home. While some pests may be annoying, others can cause extensive damage and risk your family's health. While dealing with pests during the winter may not be pleasant, it is essential to understand which ones are most likely to invade your space and what you can do to prevent them from making themselves at home inside your home.
Common Household Winter Pests
Spiders
Spiders love the indoors. They often seek shelter when temperatures drop outside and will make their homes in dark corners or behind furniture. It is vital to keep an eye out for spider webs as these are a good indication that spiders have taken up residence in your house. The webbing can quickly become a safety hazard and an eyesore without regular cleaning.
The best way to keep spiders at bay is to ensure that all crevices and other potential hiding spots are sealed off so they can't get inside in the first place. Furthermore, it is best to regularly vacuum or dust all areas where webs tend to appear and call a trained professional to eradicate the pests, should the infestation become too severe.
Rodents
Rodents such as mice and rats are notorious for finding their way into homes during winter when temperatures drop significantly outside. These pests enter through cracks or holes in walls, baseboards, doors, or your home's foundation. Once inside, these rodents search for food sources like pantries or pet food bowls. They build nests with materials like insulation found between your walls or in your ceiling. If ignored, they will begin to chew on your home's internal wiring, causing the need for expensive repairs and increasing the risk of a house fire.
If you notice any signs of rodents, such as droppings or gnawed holes, it's important to deal with them immediately, as they can spread disease and cause significant damage if left unchecked. To prevent rodents from entering your home this season, regularly inspect areas where these pests might enter and seal up any potential entry points with caulk or steel wool if needed. Also, practice good hygiene by keeping food sealed and regularly disposing of garbage outside your house.
Other Pests
Squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and other pests may also seek refuge from the cold temperatures by entering your crawl space or attacking your home's exterior walls for insulation during winter. It is important to do the following to protect against these types of pests:
- Inspect roof eaves for squirrel or raccoon nests.
- Use screens to prevent animals from getting into attics or basements.
- Ensure that all cracks and crevices around doorways are sealed with caulking or weather-stripping material.
If you suspect you may be sharing your home with unwanted pests this winter, you must call a professional immediately. At Guardian Pest Control, our team of highly-trained professionals will be able to identify the problem and eradicate it as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, give us a call! (401) 812-3033