Common Pests That Might Invade Your Home This Winter
During the summertime we are used to dealing with spiders, bees, mosquitos etc. But the cold, winter months bring a different wave of pests that are on the hunt for a warm place to shelter from the cold, or in other words, your home. There are several ways you can prepare and try to prevent these infestations from occurring. Below are a few of the common pests that tend to stalk your house in the wintertime:
House Mice
The most commonly encountered rodent in the United States is the house mouse. They tend to nest in dark areas of your home such as attics or basements, and can cause pricey damage to electrical work, drywall, foundation and more. They like to chew on insulation, wires, wood, and drywall. The house mouse can fit through holes that are as small as a dime, so it’s important to seal any possible entry points to keep these rodents out. Signs that you might have one of these rodents are droppings, a rodent smell, gnawing or claw marks, and damaged food.
Cockroaches
These types of pests prefer to nest in damp areas that are close to food sources. The German Cockroach is the most common cockroach throughout the world, and it can carry harmful diseases and bacteria. Much like the house mouse, they want food and shelter, which makes your home the perfect environment. To prevent German roaches: deep clean regularly behind, under and around appliances; remove clutter and dispose of garbage quickly; keep food sources in sealed containers; and keep the kitchen free of crumbs or old food.
Racoons and other wildlife
Racoons are most commonly found in wooded areas throughout the United States. They can enter your home around chimneys or attics, around package HVAC systems, into crawlspaces, and are most often looking for a den area. Raccoons are a frequent host of rabies, so it’s important to use caution if encountering them. Their feces also carry various types of parasites that can be extremely harmful. To prevent these rodents from entering your home or nesting around your home, ensure the trash cans are kept in an area that’s not easily accessible, or has animal proof lids. Sealing entry points that allow access to the attic and crawlspace is also a good idea for keeping them out.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown Recluse spiders are dangerous to humans, and they tend to nest in attics, basements, windows, wall voids, sheds, garages, old boxes, or seldomly used clothing or shoes. A few tips for keeping these spiders away from your home this winter include cutting back any limbs or overgrowth that is hanging above and near your home. Also, storing clothing or sports equipment or shoes in sealed plastic containers when they aren’t being used, will help keep the spiders out of your clothing. Also, closely inspect any items you bring into your home from outside as they are potentially harboring a few of these spiders. One of the most common nesting sites for brown recluse is old wood piles. If you have a wood burning fireplace, there is a real chance you may be bringing some of these spiders inside as you bring in your wood to burn.
If you’re looking for residential or commercial rodent pest control in Huntsville, Madison, or Athens, Alabama, contact Scout Pest Control today.
