As the season changes and the weather grows colder in the Southeast USA, specifically South Carolina, rodents and pests will look for shelter to hunker down for warmth. While we like to associate the winter as a time when we can take a breather and not worry about critters that come into our homes, it sadly isn’t the case. If left unchecked, these unwelcome guests can turn a cozy winter into a frustrating battle for homeowners.
That’s why knowing how to identify and prevent damage in your home from these winter pests is essential.
While we live in an area where winters tend to be milder and temperatures don’t dip too low, some pests and bugs are less of a nuisance, while others become a potential threat to watch out for.
In the summer and warmer seasons, we typically look out for mosquitos, flies, and other warm-weather critters – so what pests do you need to keep an eye out for when the weather is colder?
The winter season sees its fair share of pests that can be unwelcome guests in your home, from stink bugs to rodents. Termites are also a year-round nuisance, along with everyone’s feared cockroach. Here are the five common pests you can find this winter, and how to identify them and prevent them from invading your home.
Stink Bugs: Odorous Intruders
Stink bugs are a year-round problem, but the winter sees them become even more of a nuisance as they enter homes seeking warmth. These stinky pests can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, the smallest of tears in your screens and gaps in your windows, or when you open the door as you go in and out.
How to Deal With Them: The best method to keep these stinky intruders out is to seal entry points like cracks and crevices around door trim and windows. In the case of an infestation, refrain from squashing them and use a vacuum cleaner to dispose of them. Crushing them releases an unpleasant odor given by their name, or you can give Terminix a call, and we will root the infestation out at its source.
Winter Rodents
While it may come to some as a bit of a shock, common household rodents like mice and rats don’t actually hibernate in the winter. That isn’t to say they just welcomingly embrace the cold.
Instead, these sneaky four-legged creatures shelter for warmth. Rodents reproduce quickly and are capable of causing extensive damage to your property by chewing through almost everything from drywall, insulation, wood and electrical wiring.
How to Deal With Them: You can keep them out of your house by eliminating food and water sources and by sealing entry areas, such as cracks or holes near your attic or crawl space. But even then, if you find that rodents have made your home their home, then Terminix rodent control services can get rid of those pesky intruders for good.
Cockroaches: Resilient and Resourceful
One of – if not the most-feared of all pests – is the infamous cockroach.
All media and jokes aside, these year-round pests are common winter pests due to their cold-blooded nature. These bugs need to seek shelter during the colder season to survive, and your kitchen cabinets are as good as a five-star hotel.
More often than not, where they seek warmth is your home and once they enter, they are very difficult to get rid of. Cockroaches are known for their resourcefulness and resilience. These winter pests often seek refuge in dark, damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
How to Deal With Them: To deter cockroaches, promptly address any water leaks or excess moisture. While it’s beneficial to maintain your property by fixing leaky pipes and maintaining proper ventilation, it can also make your home less appealing to these critters. Keeping your home and kitchen clean can also reduce the likelihood of a cockroach infestation. But if all else fails, Terminix can combat cockroaches with our strategic pest control services.
Termites: A Truly Year-Round Threat
While termites are typically associated with warmer weather, they remain active year-round in the Southeast and South Carolina. Winter is an opportune time to inspect your home for termite damage, as these pests often go unnoticed until significant harm has been done.
How to Deal With Them: To prevent termite infestations, it’s advised to quickly address moisture problems as termites are attracted to damp environments. Keep woodpiles away from your home, and ensure your foundation is adequately ventilated. You can view our termite prevention tips for more info on preventing termites from invading your home. If you notice that termites have already infested your home, view our termite treatment tips before taking action, and call us.
Ants: Persistent Pests
While some ant species are dormant in the winter, there are certain species that remain active and resilient in colder temperatures. To prevent ant invasions, keep your home clean and eliminate food sources. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior, and promptly fix leaks to reduce moisture, as ants are attracted to both food and water.
How to Deal With Them: If you notice an ant trail, follow it to locate the entry point, then seal it to prevent further access. Using ant baits strategically can also help control ant populations. However, if the infestation persists or feels out of your comfort zone, see how we can address the infestation and we’ll happily remedy the situation.
Conquer Winter Pests Without the Hassle with Terminix
By implementing simple winter pest control measures such as sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness and conducting regular inspections, you can reduce the risk of winter pest infestations. If you suspect you have a pest infestation in your home, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Terminix today and get a free inspection and estimate. Terminix is the leading pest control company in South Carolina and the Southern USA, with over 70 years of experience and expertise.