Common Winter Pests

Understanding common winter pest behavior helps homeowners recognize the warning signs of an infestation.

Common pests during winter:

• Rodents: Mice and rats enter homes through small cracks or holes, usually looking for food or warmth. Rodents threaten homes with high risks of disease transmission and damage to insulation, furniture, and electrical systems.
• Spiders: During winter months, spiders are driven indoors in search of prey. They can be found hiding in basements, attics, closets, or other secluded corners. Most species are harmless to people, but can still bite if disturbed.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches thrive in warm, dark areas like kitchens and bathrooms. These pests spread harmful bacteria and allergens that can exacerbate asthma in children or sensitive groups. They infest quickly, making them a difficult pest to eliminate.
• Termites: Termites need heat to survive, so well-insulated homes are where they are most often found nesting in winter. They cause serious structural damage to homes by feeding on wooden or cellulose-based materials.

Key Winter Pest Control Tips

Homeowners can take action to keep pests out of the home during winter months. Many DIY methods are effective, but professional intervention may be necessary for full protection from common pests.

What homeowners can do:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Most pests enter the home through cracks and holes much smaller than they are. Inspect your home’s walls, windows, doors, and foundation to see if there are entry points for pests. Contact a professional to seal these openings with caulking, weather stripping, or steel wool.
2. Store Food Properly: Eliminating food sources will deter pests from nesting in your house. Store food (including pet food) in air-tight containers, promptly clean up crumbs or spills, and put trash in outdoor bins with tight-fitting lids.
3. Inspect Basements and Attics: Pests prefer secluded, dark, and warm spaces, making basements and attics prime nesting grounds. Regularly check these spaces for excess moisture, clutter, and signs of activity like droppings, nests, or webs.
4. Maintain the Yard: Regularly maintain your yard by clearing leaves, trimming overgrown vegetation, cleaning out gutters, and storing firewood at least 20 feet from the home. A clean yard ensures pests have less incentive to come onto the property.
5. Declutter: Maintaining a clean home and reducing clutter will discourage pests from infesting. Homeowners should vacuum frequently, clean under large appliances or furniture, and wash pet items often.

Why Professional Winter Pest Control Matters

In addition to preventative methods, regular inspections can help keep pests in check. Professional pest control companies like GGA can identify a house’s vulnerabilities, spot early signs of pests, and provide recommendations on how to keep the home pest-free.

GGA offers reliable winter pest control. As a local company, GGA understands the unique challenges homeowners face and we’re ready to help alleviate the stress that accompanies infestations.

Protect Your Home from Pests This Winter

Protecting your home from pests requires consistency throughout the year, and winter is no exception. From sealing cracks to scheduling professional inspections, these preventative steps make a big difference.

The experts at GGA are a trusted pest killer near you–book your winter pest inspection with GGA Pest Management today!