A Look at Some Common Winter Pests
As you make preparations around your home for the arrival of winter, you should consider the steps you’ll need to take to guard your property against common winter pests. But what exactly are the most common pests you need to concern yourself with during the wintertime? Here’s a quick overview of these pests and some good approaches to winter pest control in central Illinois.
Rodents
House mice are extremely common throughout the United States. They are often found in dark, secluded areas, and can quickly become both a safety and health risk. They can contaminate food, leave their droppings around and potentially spread diseases. They also chew through drywall, insulation and even wiring, making them a big fire risk.
Mice can fit through very small openings, so make sure you seal up any cracks you discover on the outside of your home with caulk and steel wool. Keep your areas clear and store boxes up and off the floor. Regularly inspect your home for droppings and signs of damage. Set out traps when needed, and if that doesn’t resolve the issue, call a pest control specialist for help.
Many of these same tips apply to rats, though rats require slightly larger holes and cracks to get into your home.
Brown recluse spiders
People generally prefer to keep any and all spiders out of their house, even harmless little house spiders. Brown recluse spiders, however, can bite and inject venom, making them a danger to humans and pets. You’ll typically find them in window moldings, cardboard boxes and out-of-the-way areas. Make sure you keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from your home, and don’t allow tree limbs to hang over the roof. Store all shoes and clothing inside sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes. Seek medical attention if you’ve been bitten.
Cockroaches
The German cockroach is far and away the most common type of cockroach. You’ll generally find it close to food and moisture. Make sure you keep all your counters and floors free of food debris and crumbs, and clean up spills as soon as they happen. Vacuum and dispose of garbage regularly to prevent the cockroaches from becoming a big issue, and make sure you pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchens. If left unchecked, cockroaches can contaminate your food and spread bacteria. They also trigger allergy symptoms.
Raccoons
Raccoons are more likely to be a problem outside than inside, though they occasionally can get into your home through chimneys or other large openings, such as unsealed vents. Raccoons carry rabies, so they can be a big safety hazard. Make sure you keep all trash cans and recycling bins sealed up with animal-proof lids, and make sure you don’t have any access points on your home where they could potentially enter.
For more information about the steps you can take to avoid issues with these common pests this winter, contact Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc. We’d be happy to help you with effective winter pest control in central Illinois!
Categorised in: Preventative Pest Control