Outdoor pest activity declines during the wintertime due to the cold temperatures, but your pest control plan certainly shouldn’t. The winter months bring forth overwintering pests, which take up residence in homes and businesses in search of warmth, shelter, and food.
In Yakima County, the most common overwintering pests are spiders, insects, and rodents. Because these pests hide in places that are hard to reach or see, they may remain undetected for some time, resulting in a fast-growing infestation.
Read on for more about the pest problems that can still occur in the winter, why overwintering pests are harder to get rid of, and tips on preventing overwintering pests.
What Pest Problems Can Occur In The Winter?
Common overwintering pests in Yakima County offer a host of problems to homeowners, especially if the infestation is left untreated. The most common overwintering pests here are:
- Squirrels
- Rats
- Mice
- Spiders
- Ladybugs
- Stink bugs
- Ants
- Beetles
- Aphids
- Leafhoppers
Many of these pests, particularly rodents, can become semi-dependent on humans, worsening if an infestation occurs. Although some hibernate indoors and emerge after the winter, others, including rodents and cockroaches, remain active year-round, so long as the temperature indoors exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They scurry about on surfaces of your home, infest food sources, and cause damage to household items and other possessions.
Why Are Overwintering Pests Harder To Get Rid Of?
Once indoors, overwintering pests take shelter in wall voids, attic spaces, and other hard-to-reach areas. Because they are generally out of sight in undisturbed areas, it may take some time before homeowners notice their presence.
Many of these pests have high reproduction rates, making it near-impossible for homeowners to gain control over an infestation. A female rodent, for instance, can produce up to 72 offspring in a year, while a female cockroach can produce between 200 and 300 offspring. This factor alone can make the idea of overwintering pest control seem daunting for homeowners—but with professional help, it doesn’t have to be.
Tips On Preventing Overwintering Pests
The best defense against overwintering pests that homeowners can implement on their own is preventing their entry into the home. Here are three suggestions to help avoid overwintering pests from entering your home:
- Keep Food And Trash Stored Properly: Once in the home, overwintering pests will seek out food. By keeping food stored in airtight, glass containers and storing trash in an airtight, lidded container outside of the home or in a garage, you can dissuade any rogue pests from extending their stay.
- Address Moisture Issues: Excess moisture and humidity attract a considerable amount of pests, as it provides them with a water source. Fix leaky pipes, faulty plumbing, and clogged drainage, and remove debris from gutters, which provides organic matter that some insects feed on.
- Clean Frequently. Keeping a clean and tidy home does more than help the organization; it helps to discourage pests from searching for fallen crumbs or debris to eat. Vacuuming frequently and cleaning surfaces can also help to deter them.
Let Prosite Take Care Of Your Overwintering Pests
Prosite provides ongoing services for residential and business clients faced with overwintering pests, such as rodents, cockroaches, and spiders, in their homes or businesses. Our SiteCare home pest control plan is designed for year-round coverage and is carefully developed to provide superior protection against ants, spiders, and other household pests.
For assistance or advice, the professionals at Prosite are here to help. Call (509) 478-1925 today.