It is cold outside yet warm in your home, basement, garage, and attic. Pests welcome the reprieve from our New York State winters. Of course, when you look out the window at the snow and cold, you might think that pests are dead for the winter, and you do not need to worry about them until the spring. Pests are survivors and instinctively look for food and shelter to withstand the colder months. We hesitate to inform you that many of these pests are already in your home and camped out until spring.
Can pests survive the cold New York winter?
When the temperatures drop, pests search for a place to call home, and they do not need it to be 68 degrees. Your attic or basement, even unfinished, is warmer than the outdoors. The pests we will be discussing below do not need a gaping hole in your siding, an open window, or even a gap in your garage door. Some of these pests are hitchhikers, and others can enter through a hole the size of a nickel. Here are 7 common New York State pests looking to call your home their home!
Mice
Mice are nimble and quick and are the most common complaint give them the top spot in the list of extermination requests. Homeowners should be diligent and watch for signs and sounds of a mouse in the house. Mice are focused on food and often nest relatively close to the source. They are nimble and can move through walls and openings quickly and easily. Mice carry many health threats that can occur through the spread of bacteria and harmful diseases, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
Ants
Ants in the house on the baseboards and wall angle
Just like mice, ants come inside for warmth and food. Ants are cold-blooded and need shelter. You may not realize you have an ant infestation at first. Ants are adept at ‘hiding in plain sight’ in the back of your cabinets or under a sofa in the basement playroom. These locations provide a great food source and a hiding place. If you see ants in your home, contact us for an inspection to determine if there are more ants in the house.
Cockroaches
We want to set the record straight. Finding cockroaches in your home does not mean your home is dirty. Cockroaches are industrious and great travelers. They can enter your home through small cracks, open garage doors, and even plumbing. They are in search of food, water, and warmth.
Spiders
A large spider with babies clinging to its back.
Spiders are smart and efficient hunters. They feed on common household pests such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. Pests in your home provide consistent food sources when pests enter your home and perhaps die off or find themselves trapped in a spider’s web. Keeping the lights off in your basement or attic or using yellow bug lights at night because the lights draw insects to them, and the insects draw the spiders to them. This includes nightlights that are usually closer to the floor and attract more insects. Spiders do not bite because they have no teeth but the reaction to the venom from a fang or spit causes the reaction. If a spider bites you, seek medical attention right away.
Termites
Termites and exist in your home and reproduce during these winter months. These pests build their colonies to chew through wet or rotted wood, paper products, and firewood if stored in your garage. Treating termite infestations requires a diligent and consistent treatment plan. They are incredibly tenacious and can survive unseen even after you think they are gone.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are hitchhikers and can enter your home either on you, your luggage, or your packages. Like cockroaches, bedbugs in your home does not mean you and your home are dirty. Bedbugs do not fly or jump, but they are superfast crawlers! Infestation can come from a neighbor’s apartment, or even a gym bag placed touching your bag on a locker room bench. Treatment and eradication require professional training and attention.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are not fans of cold weather. You may not have noticed, but a few months ago, they laid their claim inside your home. As the temperatures began to drop, ladybugs found the warmest, sun-filled areas of your home. Ladybugs do not eat or chew on furniture or clothing. But ladybugs can be destructive and can appear in large numbers when searching for a hibernation spot. If the ladybugs feel threatened, they can secrete a yellow liquid that may stain light-colored surfaces. Homeowners complain about these stains on drapery, blinds, and windowsills.
Why should you get winter pest control services?
Many of these pests lay dormant or conceal themselves in your storage areas until the warm weather wakes them up and they look for food and water within your home. An inspection with possible treatment now in these winter months can save time, damages, and treatment in the spring. These common pests can turn into infestations before you know it.
Prepare and protect your home during these winter months with AccuShield. Our technicians will evaluate the structure and locate areas where pests and nuisance wildlife can gain entry. A complete evaluation is prepared, and a course of action is determined. Please rest assured that when the sunshine of spring warms your home, your family will be safe, healthy, and free from pests and nuisance wildlife.
Contact us for a free inspection.
