While winter is known for being cold and dreary, at least one thing that comes with the season that many people are happy about: no bugs, the honeybees have finished their summer labor, the mosquitoes have flown south, and the pests that can ruin your lawn, food, and picnic are hibernating. But just because the above-mentioned bugs are hibernating doesn’t mean you can relax, since the appearance of other pests like cockroaches, ants, and spiders seems to ensure that winter is coming.
That is why many people wait for the winter to end. The notoriety of the pests that are already getting ready to come out is infamous, which is why you can take action now if you’re sick of them. However, for that, you need to learn what these pests are and how to control them.
You may have another option of selling your house if you think pest control will be too much work, especially due to termites. Termites can eat up wood and furniture as well as can damage walls and foundations. So in that case, it could be better to look for an estate agent by searching for sell my house fast Bellingham or wherever you are situated and get the best deal on your house.
Anyways, if your house is still salvageable, you can learn more about how to deal with different pests.
Mice and Rats
During the cold winter months, mice and rats will seek shelter and warmth. They can fit through very small openings, so removing entry points is an effective way to keep them out of your home. It is also effective to remove food and water sources. Replace any damaged roof tiles and repair any cracked roofing cement. Maintain a clean and clutter-free attic and garage. Instead of cardboard, store your items in plastic containers. If you have a lot of items stored that are not regularly used, you can consider renting a self storage unit in the Bronx or near your location to declutter the basement and attic space. You can also install chimney caps to keep mice and rats out of your chimney. Use wire mesh to cover your air vents. Food should be stored in airtight containers, and dirty dishes should not be left in the sink. Empty your trash cans on a regular basis and make sure the lids are secure. Do not leave trash bags lying around.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants love the cold winter months like most winter pests, and they can ruin your home. Wondering how? With the cold weather comes less activity, meaning less food for termites. So, they would feast on almost anything they find in your dwelling. Mostly, carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, so keep an eye out for dripping faucets, leaky pipes, or even leaking roofs.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are drawn to moisture and standing water. So, they can enter your home looking for food under any circumstance. Check your bathroom pipes for leaks on a regular basis and repair them as soon as possible. Remove any obstructions in the pipes to avoid bursting and leaks. Seal all pipe entry points into your home. You can also look for a bathroom remodeling contractor for plumbing and other repairs that can obstruct cockroaches from getting into the house. As for the kitchen, keep items off the floor by using plastic storage containers. Food (including pet food) should be stored in airtight containers. Keep dirty dishes out of the sink. Wipe down countertops, sweep, and vacuum regularly. Regularly clean under sinks, inside stoves, and behind appliances. Regularly empty the trash.
Bedbugs
Bed bugs can enter your home through luggage (be cautious of bed bugs when traveling!) or through furniture, boxes, bedding, and clothing. Therefore, inspect luggage, bedding, furniture, as well as other items prior to bringing them anywhere in your home. Use a mattress cover that completely encases the mattress and box springs. Vacuum regularly. Wash and dry bedding on high heat on a regular basis. After traveling, do the same with your clothes.
That said, even though bed bugs prefer to hide in mattresses, when in large numbers, they tend to hide in carpets and rugs too. This could be a sign of a severe bed bug infestation at home. If this is the case at your home, you may want to consider contacting companies similar to Starr Cleaning, who seem to offer Carpet Cleaning Gilbert AZ to help keep your rugs or carpets clean and pest-free.
Fleas
Fleas will enter your home on the backs of your pets. The first step in flea prevention is to treat your pets with a flea preventative measure, which can be administered via medicine, shampoo, or both. Also, look for fleas in your rugs, carpets, pet bedding, and furniture. Wash items, including pet bedding, with hot water regularly. Vacuum on a regular basis, and make sure to empty the vacuum after each use. Keep your grass mowed and shrubs trimmed to give fleas less space to hide. Keep in mind that fleas can enter your yard through wild animals as well, so don’t leave pet food out overnight to tempt them. Seal any entry points into the house or under porches to keep them out.
Spiders
Spiders prefer to hide in unused areas of the home. Store rarely used items in sealed containers made of plastic. Seal cracks and holes on the exterior of your home to prevent water from entering. Turn off your outdoor lights and use blinds or curtains to block out the light inside. Spiders are not attracted to lights, but other insects that the spiders feed on are. This takes away a food source for spiders. Keep shrubbery away from your house. Keep the grass mowed and debris away from your home. Regularly sweep and vacuum. Remove as much clutter as you can. Spiders and spider webs should be vacuumed.
Winter is a challenging time for homeowners, primarily because of pests. However, with a few tips and tricks, homeowners can successfully battle the tiny buggers that attack their homes during the cold season.
