Winter pest control is a common issue for homeowners and indoor pets, as the cold weather makes it difficult for them to leave the house. While some pests may be too weak to survive these environments, others may have found a way by feasting on your home's furniture or insulation. Unfortunately, winter pest infestations can put your furniture and belongings at risk of damage or death. Regardless of which pest you're dealing with, you'll need to identify them to find out what kind of treatment they require. Here are the most common pests you'll likely come across during the winter months and how to treat them.
Mice
Mice are a common household pest, and their presence in the winter is usually attributed to chronic fleas. These pests can be round, brown, or black and prefer to eat seeds, grains, and nuts. While mice can live anywhere from year-round in apartments, they migrate indoors during the winter months when they're seeking warmth. The best way to prevent a mice infestation is by removing food sources close to your home that attract them and keeping your home as rodent-free as possible.
Rats
Rats tend to migrate during the winter months when they need a warm place to live. They're typically larger than mice and come in shades of brown, gray, or black. While rats are known for having large incisors, which they use to gnaw on objects, they share a similar diet to mice and are most likely found in your home looking for food sources. Home pest control can help keep rats at bay and out of your home.
Cockroaches
A cockroach infestation can be an incredibly hard problem to eliminate, as they make themselves at home in dark corners, underneath rough furniture and appliances. Cockroaches are attracted to your food and water sources and will often multiply quickly as a result.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies attract animal waste, dead animals, and decaying matter. They're also known for flying in large groups and can typically be found around a home's garbage cans. Cluster flies attract dead, dried-out animals, rotten foods, or other rotting substances. They can be controlled by sealing garbage cans and removing potential nesting areas, but they need to be removed quickly to break the breeding cycle.
To keep your home safe, follow these tips and be proactive in keeping pests out of your home. Be prepared to treat an infestation should it happen by stocking up on the right supplies and purchasing the necessary products.
