Four pests you need to protect your home from in winter
As we move into fall and temperatures begin to drop, wildlife starts to prepare for winter.
Unfortunately, this also includes pests, who try to move inside your home to avoid the harsher weather. If you don’t want to be sharing the winter holidays with the wildlife, look out for these species.
In this article, Doug Van Soest, co-founder of SoCal Home Buyers, a professional real estate investment company, names four bug species that love trying to invade homes during the fall and winter, and gives tips on how to banish these unwanted houseguests.
1) Termites
As temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, termites begin to search for warmth, either by burrowing deeper into the ground or infiltrating buildings.
Termites primarily feed on wood and other cellulose building materials like insulation, mortar, and adhesives, and an unchecked infestation can lead to serious structural integrity issues, costing thousands in repairs.
Signs of termite damage include hollow or crumbling wood, drooping or discoloured drywall, loose tiles, and piles of discarded wings. Additionally, you can sometimes spot flying termites inside or outside your home.
You can prevent termites from entering your house by addressing moisture issues like leaky pipes, making sure your foundation has adequate drainage, and storing any firewood away from the house, he continues. Termites love to eat their way through wood and get inside, so make sure no wooden element of your home is in contact with the ground outside.
2) Bedbugs
Though less active in freezing conditions, bedbugs still pose a significant risk as temperatures drop. The frigid air pushes bedbugs to seek warmth, and homes present an attractive refuge.
If a nearby apartment complex or neighbouring house has a bedbug problem, these blood-feeding pests can easily hitch a ride into your space on packages or people’s clothes.
Once inside, bedbugs can quickly multiply. They’re usually identified by their bites, which are small, red, and very itchy, usually appearing in lines or clusters.
As soon as you notice bedbug bites, treat everything on your bed with a bedbug-specific insecticide. Pillows, blankets, sheets, duvets, and both sides of your mattress. However, for more thorough and lasting results, it’s best to call a professional, like a bed bug exterminator NYC, who can provide a comprehensive treatment to ensure all pests are eradicated.
I’d even suggest treating the floor if you have carpet. In addition, wash everything you can at the highest temperature that’s safe for the fabric.
3) Ants
To survive the drop in temperature, many ants enter a state of dormancy, burrowing deep into their nests. However, if they can find an inviting space inside a home, they may take the opportunity to invade.
Small cracks in walls, openings around windows, or even being transported in packages are all ways they can get inside.
Ants contaminate food and create unsightly trails in your kitchen and pantry. While most ants can be spotted trying to snack on crumbs, holes in wood and piles of sawdust can be indicators of carpenter ants.
Some species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by tunnelling through wood. Much like termites, you can prevent ants from entering your home by storing firewood away from the house, sealing entry points like cracks, doors, and windows, and fixing any leaks.
4) Cockroaches
Cockroaches are infamous for their ability to thrive in any environment and survive all attempts to kill them. Their preference for warm, moist conditions means they are often drawn to people’s homes, where food and water sources are readily available.
Cockroaches are not just an unpleasant sight; they also pose health risks, as they often carry pathogens. Their droppings and shed skin can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Sealing entry points is vital to prevent roach infestations, as they can slip through the smallest of cracks. Cleaning up any leftover spills and storing food in airtight containers means the kitchen won’t present tempting smells to lure cockroaches in.
Move wood or leaf piles and other yard debris away from the home, to prevent these bugs having anywhere to nest close to the house.
Protect your home from pests
It’s important to protect your home from pests. Mice and rats are also common intruders during winter. To spot them, look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nests, often found in attics, basements, and behind appliances. You might also sometimes hear rodents moving around during the night.
Seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations, and check your roof for missing shingles or leaks to prevent entry. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills or crumbs, as the smell of food often attracts pests. Additionally, trim back shrubs and trees, as rodents can sometimes climb along branches to get in through your roof.
Traps should be carefully placed so that pets (and humans) won’t step on them. Poison should only be deployed in homes without pets, as it kills cats and dogs if ingested. Some programs provide free adoption of rescue cats to homes that need pest control, as training a mouse-hunting cat, known as a ‘mouser,’ is a more eco-friendly and long-term solution than using poison.
SoCal Home Buyers is a professional real estate investment company founded by husband-and-wife team Doug and Andrea Van Soest. They help homeowners with real estate they need to sell quickly, no matter the situation. They provide a reliable, trustworthy, home selling solution, without any stress or hassle – guaranteed.
