Winter has arrived in Raleigh, and while we know many of you are sad to say goodbye to warm weather and long, sunny days, you’re probably not sorry to see summer pests go. Mosquitoes, ants, bees, and other bugs are the bane of every summer as these pests invade our yards and homes.
However, winter brings a new problem with pests. Instead of being a bother when you go outside, bugs and rodents are looking for a place to survive the cold until spring, driving them into homes and businesses. To prevent overwintering pests from overstaying their welcome in your home, our Raleigh pest control company is sharing how to get rid of and prevent bugs and rodents in your home this winter.
Types of Overwintering Pests
Technically, most living creatures overwinter – the term really just means “passing or surviving the winter” – plants, birds, even people who go to Florida for the winter can be described as overwintering.
However, overwintering pests are problematic to homeowners in the winter months, especially if they decide to lay their eggs or have their young in your home. The most common pests include:
- Box elders
- Ants
- Ladybugs
- Stink bugs
- Ticks and Fleas
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Mice and Rats
- Cockroaches
How to Prevent Overwintering Bugs and Rodents
Once bugs or mice take up residence in your home, it can be hard to get rid of them, so you’ll want to prevent them from getting inside in the first place.
Starting with the outside of your home, get rid of any spaces that will draw bugs and pests. This includes moving firewood away from the house, raking piles of leaves, and cleaning debris out of gutters as these are common habitats for rodents and bugs. After that, prevent access to the inside of your home by caulking even the smallest cracks and crevices around your foundation, windows, and pipes. Mice and insects can squeeze into incredibly small spaces, so keep that in mind when you’re sealing up cracks.
Inside your home, go ahead and seal spaces around outlets, pipes under the sink, and any other interior cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and floorboards. If they make it into your walls, you don’t want them to make it in any further!
After your home is sealed, keep it clean. Mice especially are drawn to food that’s left out while beetles and other bugs may be attracted to dirt and dust. Keeping your home tidy will reduce the risk of attracting critters.
Getting Rid of Overwintering Pests
If your defense didn’t work and you have a pest problem, they are most likely hiding in dark, secluded areas, like your attic, basement, within the walls, or behind appliances. You can set mouse traps to catch any mice or spray for bugs in those areas. However, your best bet is to contact a Raleigh pest control company who can both rid you of your winter guests and set up prevention measures to keep them out.
Contact Our Raleigh Pest Control Service for a Pest-Free Winter!
If you want to prevent or get rid of overwintering bugs and pests, Stomp Pest Control can help! We work with homes and businesses around the Triangle, ridding people of mice, spiders, ants, termites, and so much more. In addition to our extermination services, we also offer affordable pest control programs that include a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Reach out to us by calling 919-231-3292 or fill out our form below to schedule a consultation.
