Common House Pests That Are Prone to Appearing in the Winter
Many people don’t like cold weather, and neither do winter house pests. You might find that insects and rodents have taken up residence in your home. Winter is a crucial time of year in Central Illinois for making kitchens and crawl spaces pest proof. The first step is learning about the pests that appear in the winter and how to stop them in their tracks.
Brown recluse spiders
As the name suggests, brown recluse spiders favor solitary locations. Rooms used only for storage, like an attic or crawl space, are where you’ll likely find a brown recluse. After making their way inside your house, these spiders will make webs in window frames or the back corner of a closet. If you cross paths with one, be sure to keep your distance—brown recluse spiders produce venom that may endanger a person’s health.
To discourage brown recluses from entering your home, keep seasonal clothes like shoes and raincoats in plastic storage bins. Items that are left alone for extended periods of time turn into great hideouts for spiders. Also, do some landscaping before the weather gets cold. Branches that hang close to your house make it easier for a brown recluse to get inside.
German cockroaches
This subspecies of cockroach is another pest that appears in the winter. They love damp climates and scavenging for food, so you’ll likely find them in the bathroom or kitchen. Unlike brown recluse spiders, you might’ve carried a German cockroach right into the house yourself. Cockroaches sneak into boxes and whatever else might get brought into your home. In addition to just being unwelcome guests, you don’t want cockroaches inside because they contaminate food and carry bacteria.
German cockroaches are a dangerous winter house pest in Central Illinois and require a professional team of exterminators. However, there are a couple things you can do to minimize their presence. Sweep away crumbs and use tight sealing containers to cut off a cockroach’s food supply.
Norway rats
Norway rats are formidable pests that appear in the winter because they can chew through almost anything to get to food and shelter. They’ve been known to bust open pipes for water, and only need half an inch of room to invade your home. Unlike cockroaches, Norway rats hide in one of the last places you’ll look: under piles of debris in the basement.
These rats pose a serious threat because they carry viruses that lead to jaundice and other diseases that could make you critically ill. Again, this winter house pest in Central Illinois should be taken care of by an exterminator. In the meantime, identify areas of the house with excessive moisture and fill gaps with caulk.
It’s much easier to prevent infestations than it is to get rid of them. If pests are taking over your home, don’t try to handle it alone. Get fast answers to your questions with Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc. We treat homes with industry-leading products that neutralize the threat and keep critters outside where they belong. If you’re in the Central Illinois area, give us a call!
Categorised in: Preventative Pest Control