Winter means cold temperatures and less outdoor activity, but that doesn’t mean that pests take a break. While the bug population doesn’t typically thrive in colder weather, some pests still manage to cause issues during the winter season. They tend to get into homes and businesses in search of warmth.
Wintertime pest invasions aren’t just annoying, and they can be destructive. Some pests can cause damage to buildings and furniture, while others spread disease. The most common pests active during winter in Fort Worth include rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and ants.
Rodents like rats and mice are particularly problematic during winter as they look for warm places to nest. So you can usually find them in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and other dark places.
Rodents can enter through small cracks and crevices, and once inside, they can cause damage to furniture and wood structures. Aside from being untidy, they can also spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus. In addition, they can spread parasites and diseases and damage insulation and wiring. Since rats can reproduce quickly, even during winter, rat exterminator services can greatly help in such a situation.
Cochttps://forterrapestcontrol.com/services/rat-exterminator-dallas-texaskroaches are another common winter pest. They can hide in warm dark places, such as cracks and crevices, behind appliances, and even under furniture. They’re attracted to food, water, and grease in your kitchen. They can also contaminate food, spread germs, and trigger allergies in some people.
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly, so it’s important to take action to control them. You can help reduce their presence by keeping the kitchen and other food preparation areas clean and free of crumbs or grease.
During winter, cockroaches enter a hibernation-like state of dormancy or commonly known as diapause, which means a slowdown of their metabolic rate and growth stops. As a result, they may not be as active, but they can still threaten your home and family as they can still infest your home.
Spiders are also commonly found during the winter months. Contrary to the belief, most spiders don’t migrate indoors. They can adapt to cold winters by building up anti-freeze compounds in their bodies. This means that even though it is cold outside, spiders can remain active and be a problem indoors.
Some species of spiders may seek shelter from the cold temperatures by entering homes or businesses through small openings or crevices around windows, screens, and doors. Most spiders are harmless, but some can bite humans if they feel threatened or provoked. These bites may result in an allergic reaction for some people.
Ant’s body temperatures are affected by the weather in their immediate environment. They will begin to slow down or move indoors to warmer conditions if it gets too cold. They won’t hibernate but can become less active during winter and decrease their activity.
Since ants need food and shelter to survive, they may seek entry into homes for warmth and food. As a result, they are often found in kitchens, around garbage cans, or other places where food may be present.
How to Control Pest Activity During Winter
It’s important to take action to prevent or control pest activity during the winter. Proper prevention and management can help reduce the risk of infestation, damage, and disease. The first step is identifying where pests may enter the home or business.
You should seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and other entry points. You should also inspect your home for any evidence of pest activity. This includes looking for droppings or nests in attics, basements, and other dark areas.
Regular inspections can help you identify any potential issues early on. If you find signs of infestation, consider contacting a pest control professional to inspect the area and determine the best course of action.
Additionally, it is important to reduce areas where pests may find food or shelter in your home. This includes cleaning up spilled food, removing standing water, and regularly cleaning out garbage cans. You should also consider storing food in airtight containers and keeping outdoor garbage containers away from home.
Taking these steps can help reduce pest activity in your home during winter and prevent infestations.
Conclusion
Pests can be a year-round nuisance, but they become particularly active during the winter. The cold weather during winter brings a variety of pests that can be a nuisance or even pose health risks to your family. Therefore, it’s important to take action to prevent or control pest activity before it becomes a problem. By following the steps above, you can help reduce the risk of infestation and protect your home and family from pests during winter.
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