The New Year is here... and so are Winter pests

Does your New Year’s Resolution include a pest-free home? As this year begins to roll to a close and the new year approaches, homeowners need to stay on-top of pest prevention practices in order to keep out invasive winter pests and start the new year on the right foot. While not all pests are active during the winter, there are still many types of winter pests that thrive during the season, meaning that homeowners should continue to keep an eye out for pest activity and be prepared to take immediate action if necessary.

Why Are Winter Pests Still Active and Want to Invade My Home?

Pest activity during the fall season was just the beginning of pests wanting to invade your home in search of food sources and shelter. Contrary to many people’s expectations, the winter season is a time of the year where many pests seek out comfort indoors, looking for warmth and moisture no longer available outside. During the winter time, there are plenty of different spots around your home that act as sanctuary to pests looking to escape from the outdoors. 

Common Types of Winter Pests:

During the winter, there are two groups of pests that remain highly active–insects and rodents. Both of these types of winter pests commonly invade homes in search of food, water, and a comfortable place to live. In many cases, while these winter pests might be content to live outside during the rest of the year, they often head indoors for survival in the winter.

• Insects: While not all insects remain active during the winter, there are still a variety of species more than happy to move in during the winter season. Some insects, like ants, need a new source of food during the winter season–and there’s no better place than in your kitchen! Others, like bed bugs, continue to feed and reproduce in the winter, content to stay hidden in cozy blankets and beds. These aren’t the only types of winter insects that California homeowners should be on the lookout for–beetles and cockroaches are also highly active during the winter too. Indoor spiders can also be found regardless of season. 
• Rodents: Rats and mice can be active during every season of the year. However, in the winter time, these winter peaks seek out warm areas to nest and take shelter. In many cases, this means heading indoors. Rodents prefer living in attics, basements, and small nooks and crannies in your home. They can infiltrate any food left uncleaned or improperly stored, and often increase their food intake in response to the change in temperature.

Is pest control still needed in winter months

Pest control is essential during every month of the year –including in the winter. While many homeowners might relax their guard against pests during the busy winter months, the reality is that continuous pest control measures are needed to keep any home healthy, happy, and pest-free. Even though it’s true that many species of pest decrease their activity during the winter time, due to both changes in temperature and their natural life cycle– that isn’t true for all species of pest. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for pest activity around your property. By taking preventive care, such as by regularly disposing of garbage, keeping your house clean and decluttered, and storing food securely, can help ensure that winter pests aren’t tempted to invade your home.  And, if a winter pest infestation does occur despite your best efforts, it’s important to call a certified residential pest control company like AIPM for expert assistance. 

Conclusion

Enjoy a peaceful, pest-free home atmosphere this year by taking active measures to prevent winter pests. Since many species of pest can still thrive in the wintertime, basking in the warmth and comfort your home provides, all homeowners should carefully watch for signs and be prepared to contact a professional, like AIPM, for assistance if an infestation does occur.