While colder weather may bring relief from those flying pests, it certainly doesn’t mean your pest problems are on hiatus. Not all pests become dormant in the cold weather. Those that are still awake and aware are out there are looking for easy access to shelter from the cold, as well as a steady food supply. Does your home check these boxes? If you think it might, you need pest control.
Common Cold Weather Pests
The top three pests that you’ll more than likely come across during the winter months are rodents, spiders, and cockroaches. From the rodent category, the house mouse and the roof rat are the most common home-invaders in Northern California. They get inside through cracks, gaps, and holes in your house’s exterior. Once inside, they will settle in and nest, breeding rapidly until you have a major winter infestation.
Of the approximately 300 or so spiders in our region, most are beneficial to people. They typically feed on other common pests, such as flies, mites, and crickets. Spiders will find a protected area to build their web and to hunt from. Spiders, for the most part, are simply a nuisance to humans.
Cockroaches, lastly, are more commonly seen in California during more humid months. However, they’re always on the lookout for warm, moist spots to hide. Cold weather will drive these blackish-brown beetles through your door and into your home. Cockroaches particularly favor basements and beneath homes as they can stay there undisturbed throughout the day.
Cold Weather Pest Health Hazards
As we’ve mentioned in our articles on roof rats and field mice, rodents can carry a variety of diseases. From Salmonella to the Hantavirus, rodent pest control is extremely important during winter when you and your family can be in close proximity to these pests.
There are a few spiders, such as the Black Widow Spider, that are dangerous to us. Their mouths are large enough to actually pierce human flesh. The black widow spider’s bite is typically not fatal, but it is painful. Their venom causes muscle cramps and spasms. These start near the bite wound and then spread and increase in severity for up to 12 hours.
Cockroaches can be an awful health hazard. Due to their dietary preference for garbage, they’re carriers of numerous pathogens. They can carry E.coli and Salmonella on their legs and bodies. In doing so, they transfer these diseases from contaminated areas onto the clean surfaces they crawl.
Cold Weather Pest Control
- Seal all cracks and openings on the outside of your home. Use screens, steel wool, or metal flashing to patch holes and prevent intruders.
- Keep your food contained in containers that have tight-sealing lids. Don’t leave food out. Make a good habit of taking your trash out regularly.
- Store firewood and other piles of stationary items away from the house. A good rule of thumb is 20 feet from your house and 5 feet off of the ground.
- Eliminate places where moisture collects, such as clogged drainage and leaky pipes.
- If you think that you might have a winter pest problem contact Pro Active Pest Control for the best pest control in Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Lincoln, Rancho Cordova, and beyond.
Contact Pro Active Pest Control to take care of existing pests and prevents new pest problems from occurring. We establish a pest barrier around your home that effectively keeps pests out through regular and reliable maintenance. We provide Roseville pest control, El Dorado Hills pest control, Lincoln pest control, Rancho Cordova pest control, as well as provide pest control throughout the Greater Sacramento area. Contact Pro Active Pest Control for a free consultation and let us show you how we can help protect your home or business from winter pest problems.