Pests to Look for During the Winter

During the winter, pests like to look for shelter in your home to get away from the cold weather. This means you need to be even more on guard than usual to prevent them from coming in and reproducing. Some pests are more determined than others during this time of year, and it helps to be aware of them so you can nip the problem in the bud if it does happen.

Here are some of the most common winter pests:

Rodents
Mice and rats don't like to be outside during the winter season, so they might look for shelter in your basement or other dark spaces in your home. If you have mice, you need to get rid of them as quickly as possible, because they can contaminate food and carry diseases. They are very sneaky and can slip through impossibly small holes. Sealing cracks in your home will prevent them from getting inside.

Brown Recluse Spiders
These spiders like dark places, which is why they are more common during the winter. These spiders are particularly common in the south and midwest regions of the United States. They can be dangerous to humans if they bite, which is why they are very important to watch out for. Always check your shoes and clothes for spiders if you haven't used them in a while to prevent bites.

Cockroaches
These irritating pests will try to get inside any time of the year, but your house will seem particularly inviting during the winter, as they are always looking for food and water. Keep your space as clean as possible to prevent cockroaches from coming in. If you do notice multiple cockroaches in your home, you should contact pest control professionals right away, as they can quickly become resistant to normal pesticides.

Raccoons
These little guys like to get inside during the winter when they are searching for food. They often carry rabies, so they can be quite dangerous. They are usually attracted to trash, so make sure to keep your trash can shut completely.

If you suspect you may have one of these pests in your home, contact a professional. Pests can create a very unhealthy environment, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible.