Taking Care of Winter Pests

There are several winter pests that can plague your home and yard. Termites are not just a hot-weather nuisance. Classes of termites are notorious for swarming during the fall and reproducing in houses until February. The most destructive and prevalent termite in the United States is the subterranean termite. They live in colonies that can consist of up to several million termites and cause over $5 billion in property damage every year. Bedbugs are a nationwide annoyance, as well. They have been found on airplanes and in hotels and can attach themselves to clothing, purses, and luggage. For those traveling during the holiday season you should be careful not to bring this pest back to your home.

Ants are rampant in southern states and infest in masses. These ants can be brought to your home from hay bales and winter flowers. If you were to keep your lawn manicured during the winter, you would be able to spot the ants before their numbers grow. Overwintering pests, such as ladybugs, beetles, and box elders, sneak inside your home in the fall in order to nest in the winter. These bugs like to sun-bathe, so keep an eye on the west side of your house. The most encountered rodent in the U.S. is the house mouse. It can cause serious damage to your property by chewing on drywall and wires. German cockroaches often hide in grocery bags, boxes, and secondhand appliances. They can spread bacteria and contaminate your food. The cold temperatures of winter can cause these pests to seek refuge in your home.

There are several ways you can increase the security of your home to keep winter pests from gaining access. If there is any loose weather stripping or mortar around the basement foundation and windows, it needs to be replaced. Rodents can hide behind clutter, so make sure your storage spaces are neatly organized and any boxes are stored off the ground. You should fix any moisture problems, like clogged drains or leaky pipes. Be extra vigilant for issues in kitchens and bathrooms, as those rooms are especially vulnerable to infestations of cockroaches. To prevent rodents from entering your home, you should seal holes and cracks on the exterior. It is important to check the entrance sites of pipes and utilities. Mice can fit through openings the size of a dime. Any firewood should be stored at least twenty feet from your home, as the piles of wood are a nesting area for mice and ants. You should also install door sweeps and repair damaged window screens. Attics, crawl spaces, and basements need to be dry and well-ventilated. These tips will reduce the susceptibility of your home from winter pests.

If your home has winter pests, rely on professional exterminators for help. At IPM Pest & Termite, we have comprehensive experience in entomology and specialize in treating a wide assortment of pests. We cater our treatment plans to the specific needs of each client so we can solve the problem. We are located in Lexington, KY and provide service to the surrounding area.