Winter Pest Problems And How To Avoid Them

In every season of the year, we see different pest pressures around the homes we service but winter is somewhat unique. The pest problems folks deal with in the winter are on the inside, not the outside. And those problems are usually due to the fact that they didn't do something in fall to prevent it.

If we were to put bugs and wild animals into a lineup, would you be able to pick out the ones that overwinter? Probably some. Ladybugs, boxelder bugs, and stink bugs make sense. These are bugs that feed on plants and trees. The only reason they come inside is to protect themselves from the cold. But that cold doesn't just send "occasional" pests into your home. While mice, spiders, ants, and other critters can invade anytime, cold weather is a strong motivator.

There are also hitchhiking bugs like the bed bug, who stow themselves away in belongings that we carry. Every time someone visits your home, even for the day, there is a chance of bringing bed bug in with them.

General Winter Pest Prevention

• Do a close inspection of your exterior walls and seal any entry point you find.

• Replace or repair damaged screens, door sweeps, and weather-stripping.

• Remove clutter, woodpiles, construction material, and other items that give harborage to pests near your home.

• Turn exterior lights off at night or replace white bulbs with yellow, insect-resistant bulbs. Be aware that light lures bugs in, and those bugs are food for other bugs.

• Trash cans should have a good seal, and be secured so they cannot be tipped over.

• Keep leaves raked up and away from your walls. Make sure to get the leaves out of your gutters as well.

• To keep bugs from congregating on your exterior walls and finding tiny holes you missed during your inspection, hire a professional to apply a spray and liquid treatments to your exterior. Not only will this bolster your defenses, it will keep unsightly bugs from grouping up on your walls and window sills.

• Learn to recognize bed bugs in all stages of development, as well as the signs they leave behind. Bed bugs range in size from 1 mm-4.5 mm and can be pale, tan, or reddish brown. When they infest, they will leave black droppings, black streaks, black patches, shed insect skins, white eggs, and brown bloodstains behind.

No matter what pest pressures you have in your yard this fall and winter, you'll have a better chance of keeping them out of your home with the assistance of an educated and certified pest control professional. If you're in our Tennessee service area, let All-American Pest Control help you keep those pests out. Our team is one of the best in the business. We would love the opportunity to show you why our customers stay with us for years and years. Reach out to us today for a free home evaluation, and we'll come take a look.