Winter Pest Control In Northeast Ohio: Why It’s Important And What You Need To Know
We often hear customers ask that they skip their pest control service in the winter. Customers may wonder if it is necessary assuming that all pest activity decreases in the winter. While it is true that pest activity does decrease in the winter months, there are many pests that continue to cause problems in the winter. Overall, pest control during the winter is an important step in protecting your home and your health, and in preventing future pest problems.
- Protection of homes and businesses: During the winter months, many pests, such as rodents, seek shelter from the cold in homes and businesses. This can lead to damage to the building, as well as potential health risks from the pests. Pest control measures can help prevent infestations and protect homes and businesses from damage.
- Reduction of disease transmission: Certain pests, such as mice and rats, can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Winter pest control measures can reduce the presence of these pests, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission.
- Maintenance of food supplies: Winter is a critical time for food storage, and a pest infestation can quickly ruin stored food supplies. Pest control measures can help prevent contamination and maintain the safety of food supplies.
- Prevention of structural damage: Some pests, such as carpenter ants and termites, can cause significant structural damage to buildings. Regular pest control measures can help prevent infestations and protect buildings from damage.
- Peace of mind: Finally, having pest control during the winter can provide peace of mind. Knowing that your home is protected from pests can give you one less thing to worry about during the cold and stressful winter months.
Winter pest control is an important aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy environment in northeast Ohio. Regular pest control measures can help protect homes and businesses, reduce the transmission of diseases, maintain food supplies, and prevent structural damage.
Do you spray for bugs in the winter?
In some areas, certain pests such as cockroaches, ants, and mice can be active throughout the year, including the winter, and may require treatment. In other areas, pest activity may decrease during the winter months, but certain indoor pests may still be present.
It’s always best to consult a professional pest control company to assess the situation and provide advice on the best course of action. They can also perform a thorough inspection to identify the source of the problem and develop a customized plan to effectively manage the pest infestation. Oftentimes, we don’t spray the exterior of the home when it’s cold and wet, or when the ground is frozen. However, we will treat spot treat inside for common pests like ants and spiders.
What pests are active in winter?
During winter, many pests become less active or go into hibernation due to the cold temperatures and decreased availability of food. However, some pests are still active during this season, including:
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches are a common pest in homes, and they can survive even in cold temperatures. They often seek warmth in their homes during the winter months.
- Rodents: Rodents, such as mice and rats, are also active during the winter. They are attracted to homes in search of food and shelter from the cold.
- Bed bugs: Bed bugs are persistent pests that can survive even in cold temperatures. They often hide in bedding and furniture and can become active when the temperatures rise in a heated home.
- Termites: Although termites are less active in the winter, they can still cause damage to homes during this season.
- Spiders: Some species of spiders are active during the winter, especially in warm homes.
- Ants: If you’re prone to getting ants in your home, you may see them return in the winter during periods of warm weather, especially in slab homes.
It’s important to take steps to prevent and control these pests, such as sealing entry points, reducing clutter, and properly storing food. Consulting a pest control professional can also be helpful in getting rid of pests.
How do you keep pests and rodents out of your house in the winter?
There are several ways to keep bugs out of your house in the winter:
- Seal cracks and gaps: Seal any cracks and gaps in your windows, doors, and foundations to prevent bugs from entering your home.
- Screen vents: Make sure that vents and chimneys are properly screened to keep bugs and other pests from crawling into your home.
- Use weather stripping: Weather stripping can be added around doors and windows to create a tight seal and prevent bugs from entering.
- Keep food stored properly: Store food in airtight containers and make sure that crumbs are cleaned up to reduce the attraction for bugs.
- Minimize lights: Bugs are attracted to light, so try to minimize lights near windows or doors.
- Use chemical deterrents: Chemical insecticides and bug sprays can also be used to prevent bugs from entering your home, but it’s best to hire a professional who has the right products and knows how to carefully use them as directed.
By implementing these measures, you can reduce the chances of bugs entering your home in the winter and keep your home bug-free.
Are rodents, like mice and rats, active in the winter?
In general, the activity levels of rodents during the winter are determined by a combination of factors, including the availability of food, the temperature, and the amount of sunlight. If the weather is mild and food is readily available, some rodents may continue to be active. However, if the winter is harsh and food is scarce, many rodents will slow down their activity levels or enter into a state of hibernation.
During the winter months, mouse activity can decrease due to the colder weather. Mice are warm-blooded animals and will seek shelter in order to stay warm. This often means that they will move into homes, sheds, and other structures where the temperature is more controlled.
However, mouse activity can still occur during the winter months, especially if the temperature inside the home or other structures is warm enough to provide a suitable habitat.
Mice are also known to hoard food during the winter, as they prepare for the cold months ahead, so it’s not uncommon to see an increase in mouse activity in areas where food is readily available.
If you notice an increase in mouse activity in your home during the winter, it’s important to take steps to prevent an infestation. This can include sealing up any cracks or gaps in the walls, floor, and ceilings, storing food in tightly sealed containers, and using mouse traps or other pest control methods.
What to do if you have rodents in your house this winter:
If you have mice in your house, here are some steps you can take to get rid of them:
- Seal all entry points: Inspect your home for any holes or cracks where mice can enter, and seal them with steel wool or silicone caulk.
- Remove food sources: Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills and make sure your trash is in a tightly sealed container.
- Use mouse traps: Place mouse traps in areas where you have seen signs of mice, and check them regularly. Remember to always handle trapped mice with gloves and dispose of them humanely.
Call a professional: If you are unable to control the mouse infestation, it may be necessary to call a professional pest control service.
