In the summer, pests have many options for food, water, warmth, and shelter in the natural world. But as winter approaches, these options diminish, and your home becomes a more attractive target. As winter ushers in cold weather, several pests seek refuge in the warmth and food available in homes. Many common winter pests are happy to move in without an invitation.
To prevent winter pest problems in North Carolina homes, it is important to understand the types of pests that are commonly found during this season. We will discuss pests that can invade your home during winter and how to protect your home and family from them.
1. House mice and Norway rats are common winter pests
Mice and rats are the most common winter pests. They look for ways to enter your property in search of warmth and food in the winter. Rats are adept at fitting through small spaces and prefer to make nests in dark, concealed areas such as basements, attics, and walls. They frequently explore kitchens and other spaces in search of food.
Mice and rats can carry many diseases, and they can cause significant property damage. Rodents in the United States cause approximately $5 million in damage each year. Additionally, they are responsible for a quarter of house fires due to their habit of chewing on electrical wires.
Here are some signs of a house mouse or rat infestation:
• Small droppings with pointed ends or blunt on both ends
• Musky odor (the stronger the smell, the worse the infestation)
• Holes gnawed in out-of-sight areas, such as cupboards
• Gnaw marks on furniture and walls
• Noises, such as chewing, gnawing, and scurrying at night
Quick tips to protect your North Carolina home.
#Seal any external cracks and holes with caulk and steel wool.
#Maintain a clutter-free environment and keep boxes elevated from the floor as mice tend to hide in clutter.
#Regularly check your home for mice indicators like droppings, gnaw marks, and damaged food.
2. German Cockroaches Spread Disease
Cockroaches are pests that invade homes and spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and worsen respiratory conditions like asthma. They are attracted to small, dark spaces that are close to food and dirty clothes, as well as food stains and sweat on garments. The German cockroach is the most common cockroach and usually infests kitchens and bathrooms due to their preference for moisture.
Here are some signs of a cockroach infestation:
#An unpleasant odor on items they’ve come into contact with
#Very small, black, round droppings
#Smear marks in moist areas
#Shed skin
Quick Tips To Prevent Cockroaches
#Ensure counters and floors are clean and crumb-free.
#Keep your home clean and tidy, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to make it less attractive to pests.
#Vacuum regularly and remove the garbage frequently from your bins.
3. Raccoons in woodsy areas are nuisance winter pests
Western North Carolina is a particularly dense area with forest and woods around homes. During winter, raccoons often become a nuisance in wooded areas as they search for a cozy shelter. Raccoons can cause significant property damage and are a major host of rabies, a deadly disease.
Here are some signs of a raccoon infestation:
• A strong smell of feces and,or, urine in the attic space or other areas reachable by raccoons.
• Damage to shutters, shingles, vents, and chimney caps.
• Unexpected noises at night, such as scratching, whimpering, and chattering.
If you think you have a raccoon infestation, it is important to contact a professional wildlife control company. Raccoons can be aggressive and dangerous, so it is not advisable to try to remove them yourself. Apex pest control does not carry out wildlife control, but we can refer you to other professionals.
Here are some quick tips to protect your home from Raccoons.
• Seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation and exterior walls.
• Keep your trash cans tightly closed and secure.
• Remove any potential food sources from your yard, such as pet food bowls and bird feeders.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from your home to reduce the number of places where raccoons can hide.
4. Bed Bugs
These blood suckers have been in the news a lot recently and in fact, caused a panic in Europe. Bed bugs are a common pest that can be active in the winter, unlike mosquitoes, black flies, and gnats. They live mostly inside, so they can thrive in a warm home. Bed bugs can be carried into your home via your shoes, bags, clothes, and luggage.
When traveling, be sure to inspect beds for dark, rusty spots, which are signs of bed bug excrement. Bed bugs are experts at hiding, and they're silent, so you have to look carefully. You may also see blood on your sheets or pillows. Bed bugs feed at night on human blood, and their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Quick Tips To Prevent Bed Bugs
• When traveling, inspect hotel beds for signs of bed bugs.
• Wash your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat after returning from a trip.
• Vacuum your home regularly, including behind furniture and mattresses.
• Seal up any cracks or holes in your home.
If you see a bed bug, do not try to kill it yourself. Contact a professional pest control company for assistance. These pests are incredibly difficult to deal with and require specialist treatments.
5. Ants and Ticks and Fleas
These pests are considered to be ones that are more predominant in spring and summer. It may shock you to find out they are also active in the cold winter months too.
Ants: Ants are one of the most common winter pests. They are attracted to warmth and food, so they often invade homes during the winter months. Ants can be a nuisance, but they are not generally harmful to humans.
Ticks and fleas: Ticks and fleas are also common winter pests. They can live on pets and humans, and they can transmit diseases. Regularly check your pets for ticks and fleas and take precautions to protect them from these parasites.
Ticks and fleas can spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To protect yourself and your pets, it's important to take precautions against their bites.
Quick Tips For Ticks
• If you do find a tick on yourself or your pet, it is important to remove it carefully. To remove a tick, use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Do not twist or turn the tick, as this could cause its head to break off and remain embedded in the skin.
• After removing a tick, clean the bite area with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the bite area to prevent infection.
• If you have any concerns about a tick bite, contact your doctor or veterinarian.
For Ants And Fleas
• Keep your home clean and tidy.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Take out the trash regularly.
• Vacuum your home regularly, including behind furniture and mattresses.
• Check your pets for ticks and fleas regularly.
• Use tick and flea prevention products on your pets.
7. Moths Can Be Difficult Winter Pests
Whilst not normally considered a severe issue. Moths can cause an issue in colder weather and overwinter for survival. They are common pests that can infest fabrics, such as wool, fur, and cotton. They can also infest upholstered furniture.
To prevent moth infestation, check your clothes regularly for signs of damage.
Quick Moth Control Tips
• Store clothes in airtight containers or garment bags.
• Wash clothes regularly, especially those made of natural fibers.
• Dry clothes on high heat.
• Vacuum your home regularly, including behind furniture and mattresses.
• Freeze infested items for 24 hours to kill moths and their eggs.
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closets to repel moths.
Final Words To Consider When Dealing With Winter Pests
Always keep in mind that managing winter pests may entail working with hazardous chemicals and coming into contact with disease-carrying animals. Seeking guidance from a professional pest control service is of utmost importance when it comes to effectively and safely handling these pests.