When temperatures start to change outside, so does pest behavior. The South usually presents 4 different seasons each year, but the winter season does not always guarantee cold weather with frigid temperatures.
The truth is that cold weather has a major effect on the behavior and habits of pests. Some pests die off because of the cold weather. Other pests such as bees, wasps, flies, mosquitoes, and many others hibernate to survive the cold temperatures. All of these pests can present the same issues in the winter as they do in the summer months if weather conditions permit and your home is not treated properly. This is why you need pest control in the winter, especially if you live in the South.
Common pest and rodent issues we see in the winter include: ants, mice, roaches, and silverfish. Let’s talk specifically about how these pests survive the winter and why pest control in the winter is important.
ANTS – Most ants are very slow moving or even sluggish looking in the colder months if spotted walking around outside, but it’s a good indicator that a nest may be close by when you see ants inside the home. Ants harvest plenty of food in the warmer months and store the food source underground or in the nest to hold them over until spring. These nests are often found inside your home. Ants are known to nest in crawl spaces, basements, wall voids, or any other place that provides the resources to survive. A common area for ant activity is in the kitchen where they can find water and food.
MICE – Mice usually stay outdoors during the warmer months to feed off grains, fruits, and seeds. Cooler weather pushes these rodents indoors in search of a warm place to build nests, find a food source, and reproduce. Mice can reproduce at an alarming rate (up to 8 litters per year and up to 4-7 pups per litter). You may only notice a problem if you see droppings scattered around your home. Another good indicator of mice is shredded debris such as cardboard or cloth, which they use to build nets. Mice are nocturnal, so you may not see them during the day; it’s important to look for signs of mice rather than the actual rodents themselves. Mice are able to nest inside walls, attics, garages, and basements and will scavenge your home for any food it can find to survive.
ROACHES – Let’s face it, these pests are active all the time! They thrive during the warmer summer months from high temperatures, humidity, plenty of food, and moisture. Roaches only need a very small food source to survive. During the winter months, the warmth, food, and moisture from the indoors can create the perfect breeding ground. This environment can help them reproduce in large numbers. Roaches are known for being resilient and can find the resources needed to survive year-round.
SILVERFISH – Silverfish are another very unpopular pest that can produce some problems in the colder months. Silverfish enjoy moist areas that have high humidity, such as crawl spaces, wall voids, or even an attic. Silverfish will eat starches that can be found in clothing, paper, carpet, wallpaper, or even pet hair. While the damage is usually minor, it’s just another pest to worry about in the colder months.
These are just a few of the most common issues we see in the winter, but ultimately, it’s important to maintain a preventative barrier in every season, including the winter. Our three-step exterior process, including pest control in the winter, creates the barrier your home needs to prevent pests from ever entering your home. To learn more about our team at Nature’s Turf and how we can prevent pests in your home this winter, Click Here.
