Winter has arrived, but just because the weather is wet and cold doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about pest control in and around your home.
Colder weather also means that rodents, bugs, and other pests are preparing to make your home their home. It’s time to take action if you’re dealing with unwelcome pests in or around your home. The longer you sit back, the more comfortable they’ll become on your turf.
Stay tuned for our best tips on how to keep pests at bay this winter.
Pest Control in the Winter
Pest control in winter is just as essential as at other times of the year. As many pests seek shelter in homes and other buildings to escape the cold temperatures outside, eradication becomes necessary. Some common winter pests include rodents, cockroaches, and storage pests such as Indian meal moths.
Keep an eye out for signs of infestation and to take preventative measures, such as sealing entry points and keeping food stored properly, to prevent pests from entering your home. If you notice signs of a pest infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company to address the problem.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common pest that requires pest control in the winter. Here is some key information about cockroaches and how to keep them out of your house:
Cockroaches are insects that belong to the order Blattodea. They are commonly found in many parts of the world and are considered major pests due to their ability to reproduce quickly, their potential to spread disease, and their ability to survive in a wide range of environments.
Cockroaches come in varying species, but the most common cockroaches found in homes and buildings are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
- German cockroaches are small, typically around 1/2 inch long, and light brown in color. They are usually found in the kitchen and bathrooms of homes and buildings.
- American cockroaches are larger, around 1-1/2 inches long, and reddish-brown in color. They are typically found in basements, sewers, and around the exterior of buildings.
- Oriental cockroaches are also large, around 1-1/4 inches long, and dark brown in color. They are typically found in damp basements and crawl spaces, and around the exterior of buildings.
Cockroaches can be difficult to control once they have established themselves in a home or building, and it’s best to consult a professional pest control company for assistance. Here are some tips to keep these pests out of your house, to begin with:
- Seal off entry points – Inspect your home for cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around doors and windows, and seal them off with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Keep a clean house – Cockroaches are attracted to food and garbage, so keep your kitchen clean, store food in sealed containers, and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Remove sources of moisture – Cockroaches thrive in damp environments, so fix leaks and use a dehumidifier to keep your home dry.
- Use traps and bait – Place cockroach traps and bait around your home to capture and kill them.
- Use pesticides – If you have a severe cockroach infestation, you may need to use pesticides to get rid of them. Consult with a professional exterminator for the best solution and safety precautions.
Rodents
Rodents are another reason you should prioritize winter pest control. These pests seek for warmth during the cold months. Here are some common rodents that can be found in homes during the winter.
- House mice – These small, gray or brown rodents are common in homes and can cause damage by gnawing on wood, wires, and other materials.
- Norway rats – Also known as brown rats, these large, burrowing rodents can cause significant structural damage to homes and can spread disease.
- Roof rats – Also known as black rats, these agile rodents are excellent climbers and are often found in attics, ceilings, and walls.
- Squirrels – These rodents are known to enter homes through holes in the roof or walls. They can cause damage to the structure of your house and gnaw on electrical wiring.
- Chipmunks – Chipmunks are known to enter homes through the holes in the foundation or the walls. They are known to cause damage to the insulation, electrical wiring, and other materials in the home.
- Voles – Voles are small, burrowing rodents that can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and other outdoor areas. Like chipmunks, voles are known to enter homes through the small holes in the foundation or walls.
There are several steps you can take to prevent rodents from entering your home to help with winter pest control:
- Seal off entry points – Inspect your home for cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around doors and windows, and seal them off with steel wool, caulk, or other materials.
- Keep a clean house – Rodents are attracted to food and garbage, so keep your kitchen clean, store food in sealed containers, and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Remove sources of food and water – Keep pet food in sealed containers, pick up fruit that falls from trees in your yard, and don’t leave water standing in the sink or any other area.
- Use traps and bait – Place mouse traps and bait around your home to capture and kill rodents.
- Keep your yard clean – Keep your yard free of debris, and trim back trees and bushes to remove potential nesting sites.
- Call in professional help – If you have a severe rodent infestation, it’s time to hire a professional exterminator.
Let Summit Lawn & Pest Control Assist You
If you’re seeking the best winter pest control services in Utah, Summit Lawn & Pest Control has you covered! We are passionate about offering quick and economical residential lawn care and pest control services so you can spend your time enjoying your yard rather than worrying about pesky insects and vermin.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation! We service Lehi, American Fork, Provo, Spanish Fork, and other Utah County communities.
