The ground thaws, spring rains begin, and the carpenter ants start showing up in your kitchen. As warmer weather arrives, mosquitoes, fleas and flies, become bothersome. In the fall, spiders become more plentiful, as well as bees and wasps.
So cold weather should bring some relief, right? Wrong! Many cold weather pests seek dark, secluded locations like attics and basements, but just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Pest control is a year-round matter if you want to truly keep your home and business pest free.
Consider the following pests that are active during the cold months:
- Mice – They like attics and basements, and they can fit through spaces the width of a dime. They’ll chew through drywall and wires, and carry several diseases.
- Spiders – the brown recluse spider seeks out secluded areas in your home, and their bite carries venom.
- Cockroaches – They enter homes on everything from a grocery bag to second hand appliances, and they become active in the winter. For asthma sufferers, this can be a problem.
- Stink bugs – They find their way into your home as the weather cools, and, as their name suggests, carry an offensive aroma.
- Termites and bedbugs – These are year-round pests that require consistent attention and treatment because of their ability to develop into a serious and damaging infestation.
Pest problems are not reserved for dirty or unkempt areas. Anyone is vulnerable, especially as seasons change. Before winter sets in, there are some basic steps you can take to reduce the possibility of an infestation.
Before the snow flies, head outside and clear brush, clean gutters and seal cracks around windows, doors and pipes. Take time to move your firewood away from your house, bringing inside only what you will use in a day or two.
Indoors, store food in airtight containers, especially if cockroaches, meal moths and spiders have been a problem. Keep counters clean and repair leaking pipes and dripping faucets. Check your luggage after a trip and inspect used clothing, appliances and furniture before bringing them into your home.
Finally, call Grace Exterminating for your pest control needs. Whether you need a one-time treatment or year-round service, Grace Exterminating has a plan that will work for you. Click here for more information.