The cold weather is almost upon us, which means it’s time to trade in the shorts and swimsuits for hoodies and pants. It’s also time to get your home and yard ready for pests as insects will try to seek shelter in your home or yard as temperatures begin to cool down.
By knowing what pests to look for, you can minimize intruders and live a pest-free winter. Here are some common pests that are out during the Tennessee winters.
Spiders
Some species of spiders are well-equipped to handle the cold. They will typically seek out areas that will protect themselves and their egg sacs. When outdoors, they will hide under leaf litter and mulch. Spider activity definitely slows down in the winter. However, some are able to remain relatively warm by staying active inside buildings, such as homes.
Rodents
Mice and rats do not hibernate during the winter. They stay active and are able to survive the winter by taking shelter inside homes. In fact, rodents will take shelter in as many as 21 million homes over the winter. Mice and rats have strong teeth and can cause significant damage inside a home. They can chew up wood and electrical wires.
Inspect your home for any gaps or holes in walls, floors, and foundations. Mice can squeeze through very small openings, so seal any cracks with caulk or use steel wool to block entry points.
Pay special attention to areas around pipes, vents, and cables entering the home.
Fleas
Fleas will latch onto a host, such as your dog or cat, and hang out for as long as they can. They breed quickly and can become a real problem for your home, even in the winter. Fleas and their eggs will die if temperatures drop below 50 degrees, so they will be looking for warm spots. Check your pets and any areas where they frequent for fleas. Wash pet bedding often and keep pets off beds and furniture when possible. Vacuum your home frequently, including carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Pay extra attention to areas where your pets spend a lot of time. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum canister outside to prevent fleas from reinfesting your home.
Stinkbugs
Stinkbugs likely won’t come indoors, but you may see them outside in the winter. During the winter months, stink bugs go into diapause, which is a hibernation-like state where they remain inactive. They sleep in leaf bundles, hollow logs, and other insulated areas until temperatures warm up in spring.
Kudzu Bugs
Kudzu bugs eat soybeans and other legumes. Kudzu bugs are most active in the spring. During winter, they will seek out sheltered areas such as under bark or rocks or in leaf piles.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs thrive in the warmth, like most bugs. During the winter, they need a place where they can huddle together with other bugs. Outdoors, they may hide in cracks, crevices, and tree bark. They may even venture indoors to stay warm. Asian lady beetles can be more invasive indoors compared to native ladybug species. They may enter homes in large numbers, creating a nuisance for homeowners.
Outdoor Roaches
Water bugs typically live outside, but may go indoors for warmth when the temperature drops. They can enter your home through cracks and holes in your walls and foundation. Palmetto bugs will also venture inside and can be found in basements and crawl spaces.
Odorous House Ants
In the winter months, most ants go into hibernation mode. Their body temperatures drop and they become sluggish. If you see them in your home, you likely have a colony somewhere. Trim trees and shrubs and rake up leaves that come into contact with your home to eliminate ant “bridges” that could provide easy access.
Contact Us Today
Wintertime can be stressful enough as it is. The cold weather can make you uncomfortable. Driving can be scary. You don’t need pests ruining your home and yard on top of everything else. Golden Circle Exterminators can help you treat your home of spiders, ants, fleas and other bugs that are causing havoc in your home. Count on us to provide you with the relief. We offer a 100% guarantee, so you’re sure to be happy with our pest control services To schedule a free inspection, call (731) 200-1271.