What Happens to Pests in Cold Winter Weather & Freezing Temperatures?

We are now at the end of fall and before we know it, winter will come along. And so will those common winter pests we find here in Virginia. You may have noticed them already. As the temperatures drop, many pests will either hibernate or go looking for a warm place with enough food to get them through the harsh winter. The number one place that fits that bill is your home. Now that we are in the fall season, this is your last chance to prepare for those winter intruders. Eagle Pest Control will warn you of the common winter pests and how to better prepare for them.

Where Do Norway & Roof Rats, & House Mice Go to Live in the Winter?

House mice are probably one of the most common intruders in North America during the winter season. They are relentless when looking for shelter from the winter cold. They can slim their bodies down to fit through the tightest of cracks and holes. A gap the size of a pencil is all that they need to gain entry into your home. During this winter season is when you will want to be on the lookout for any signs of mice in your home. Norway and Roof rats also commonly come into your home seeking shelter and food. All of these rodents prefer dark private places to nest and hide. And both mice and rats are extremely destructive to homes. You will often notice signs of their presence through chewed up piping, wires, walls, and food. If you also notice feces and droppings, this is a clear sign of a rodent infestation. You will want to keep your home both in and outside clear of clutter and discarded food. This will greatly keep the rodent population down. You can use traps or baits to deal with your rodent roommates.

Do Roaches Hibernate in the Winter?

Many species of cockroaches will seek shelter form the cold. Your home yet again provides warmth and food for cockroaches. They will typically inhabit the moist areas of a home such as bathrooms and kitchen. During the winter season is also the time of year all of those sweet goodies we normally try to stay away from are found in our home. Cockroaches have a sweet tooth as well and the smells will beckon them into your home. That is why keeping food in sealed containers is key to cockroach control. You also want to avoid clutter inside and outside your residence. Most pests consider cluttered areas a haven. You can use commercial sprays to help keep cockroaches out; however they don’t last very long. Or you can contact a professional pest control company with higher end pesticides, knowledge and experience of how to keep pests like cockroaches and rodents away.

What Happens to Spiders When it Gets Cold?

Most people can’t stand the sight of spiders. It is a deep instinct that tells us they are dangerous. Many species of spider are venomous and cause us harm so this is a great instinct to have. However most spiders feed on other insects and are quite beneficial to the environment, however there are those you don’t want sharing your home. Black widows are all over America and are one of the more venomous spiders. Another one to watch for is the yellow sac spider, though they rarely come into homes, they occasionally will find themselves hitch hiking their way inside. It is very rare but there have been some case of a brown recluse spider entering homes in Virginia during the colder season. Brown recluse spiders are not native to Virginia. Nonetheless, there has been some rare case of bites reported. Some speculate they may hitchhike their way from state to state by visiting friends and family members during the holiday season.

Professional Pest Management

You will want to keep your home regularly sprayed with pesticides for insects, and traps and baits for rodent intruders. Eagle Pest Control company will aid you in keeping your home pest free for the winter. If you find yourself under invasion of these or other pests we will be there to help you. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!