Preventing Pests this Cold Winter Season

Now that fall has rolled in, it is time to prepare your home for those winter pests. Many may consider winter to be the time you don't need to think about pests invading your home or business. But this is not the case. Eagle Pest Services will share the top 10 pests you need to be worried about this coming winter season.

Winter Pest Infestations

1. One of Virginia's common winter pests is mice or rats that will invade your home this winter. As the cold temperatures increase the rodent population will begin to seek out shelter. Rodents will flock to your home or business where indoor temperatures are comfortable and they have easier access to the food your home and even some businesses stock. Soon you will find yourself overrun.

2. Next on our list are cockroaches. Again, even cockroaches will attempt to escape the winter cold. Not to mention this is the time of year for holiday cooking. Most of us enjoy the aroma and taste of holiday foods and so do the cockroaches.

3. Wildlife such as squirrels and raccoons can become a problem this winter. Squirrels and raccoons can reproduce all years long. When the cold sets in they will look for warmer places to nest. Most people’s attic space becomes a prime location for many wildlife nesting sites.

4. Pantry pests like the Indian Meal Moth. The adult moths are a symptom of the problem. However, the larvae do most of the damage. While pantry pests can be a problem any time of the year, baking for the holidays can mean more of these products and more winter pest problems. Carefully inspect packages at the store so as not to bring home an unwanted pest. A pest control professional can help locate infested products and eliminate the problem.

5. Firewood pests can become a wide umbrella for many kinds of pests. However we will lump firewood as a problem for many homeowners. Storing firewood near your home may be convenient during the cold winter months. However many pests gain access to your home when you bring in the firewood. A good tip is to keep your firewood stack as far from your home as possible and don't bring in extra firewood—only bring in what you’re going to burn right away.

6. You may notice more spiders during this time of year. Many species hibernate during the winter, but for those few you remain active they will come into your home. It's not just the cold that they seek shelter from; it’s also for easier food. Spiders feed on many other pests that found their way into your home. Keep those pests down to a minimum and that will keep spiders away.

7. Carpenter Ants will come into your home during the winter season. They are attracted to leaking water pipes. This is a common occurrence during winter. Pipes will often crack from the water freezing over.

8. Fruit fly eggs may enter the home along with fruit and may be difficult to identify at the store. Fruit flies and drain flies can also lay eggs in cracks, drains and other gaps, where they feed on organic material. Deep cleaning and elimination of any contaminated food products will help reduce these problems.

9. Bed Bugs are also an increasing problem. Many college kids or friends and extended family bring these bugs into your home when they visit during the holiday season. Bed Bugs make their way from home to home by hitchhiking. So the more visitors to your home the more you increase your chances of being invaded by bed bugs.

10. Finally fleas may be more commonly thought of as a summertime pest. However we are increasingly seeing fleas as winter pest problem. Pets may spread flea problems as they spend more time indoors. If you suspect a flea problem, have pets treated by a veterinarian and have your home treated by a pest control professional.

Cold Weather Pest Control

This is the list of common pests that you could still face this winter. Even though many species of pests do hibernate during the cold winter season, not all do, and they will find your home quite cozy. Your home or business can provide warmth, food and nesting sites to insure the survival of their young. If you find your home being invaded this winter season Eagle Pest Services is here to help you fight those pest problems. Call us for all your pest control needs.