Winter Pest Control
Ants love protein and foods containing sugar.
Winter isn’t typically the time of year with lots of pest problems. However, professional pest control experts are often asked why it’s essential to continue insect and vermin control services throughout cold weather when the bugs appear to have died off. The keyword in that expression is “seem,” as a home is still at risk of being invaded by unwanted pests even during the coldest months of the year.
Here, we’ll list a few of the most common culprits.
In the South, the coldest cold weather is usually limited to December, January, and February, and homes are a heated food source, so these unwanted house guests want to come in.
There are several kinds of pests that prefer a cozy place to over-winter.
Cockroaches
Roaches thrive in every season of the year, and not only are they disgusting, but they thrive off of a household’s pantry or food left out on the counters. The critical preventative step a homeowner can take is to make sure their kitchen stays clean and sanitized. Put leftover food away, and don’t store things like bread on countertops. It’s better to refrigerate anything that may attract them.
Ants
These pesky little creatures are the most common pests in winter months. Ants love protein and foods containing sugar. Homeowners can repel them by keeping their kitchen clean, especially the floor. Also, remember to check where dog or cat food is stored because these ants love to infest pet food!
Carpenter Ants
As their name implies, these ants love building their homes out of wood piles, creating mounds of sawdust. They are tough to eliminate, so homeowners need a pest control company’s services to ensure they are completely gone.
Pantry Bugs
Tiny bugs in flour or other dry goods are pantry bugs or meal moths. Help to eliminate them by removing the food sources. Keep the pantry and countertops clutter-free, and don’t leave spills or crumbs without cleaning them up. Store dry food in airtight containers.
If the bugs are in one container of food, they are likely in others, and a homeowner will need to inspect all pantry items. Even one bug can breed thousands, so throw the whole package out if meal moths are in the container.
Additionally, clean and disinfect the area before bringing new food back in. Clean walls, vacuum ceilings, and, if possible, call a pest control company to inspect and treat the area.
Mice and Rats
Rodents come in any time of the year, but of course, they’ll come in looking for warmth when the opportunity presents itself. They can crawl through the tiniest spaces to get in and will commence making a mess and nesting in household debris such as clothing, wrappers, and insulation. Likewise, any food not stored tightly is a target for rodents.
Routine pest control services
If a homeowner is signed up for quarterly pest control services, they ought to have one thorough winter season service performed every year. This service should achieve several crucial jobs.
Kill bugs within the walls, attic, and living spaces. Termites, cockroaches, carpenter ants, earwigs, and numerous other bugs can prosper in a home as the weather is consistently enjoyable.
Seal off entry points. Rodents can find their way into a home if all entry points are not sealed. Treat entry points like windows, doors, and peepholes to provide lasting defense and prepare the home for the introduction of insects in the spring.
Remove spider webs, wasp nests, egg cases, and dirt dauber nests to prevent any of them from reemerging when the weather warms.
Keep in mind, for the very same reasons, people want to be inside throughout the winter months, and intrusive insects do too. Therefore, performing a thorough winter season pest control treatment is essential to guarantee a home is secured year-round.
Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!