Hinsdale’s winter brings cold temperatures and cozy nights by the fireplace. However, as you bundle up and stay indoors, pests also want to do the same. A lot of people in the city believe that they don’t have to worry about pests in the winter. Unfortunately, some of the most problematic pests become more active during the coldest months of the year. Not working with Pointe Pest Control professionals can result in unwelcome surprises during spring. Keep reading to understand why pest control is important in the winter:
What Happens to Pests in the Winter
Some pests go dormant or die off in the winter, but a lot seek warm spots to hide such as your house. Once they find a way inside, they can stick around all winter, causing damage or posing health risks. Hinsdale residents usually deal with winter pests such as rodents, spiders, cockroaches, termites, and silverfish. Such creatures do not take a break. Rather, they settle in and get comfortable in the winter inside your attic, basement, kitchen, bathroom, or walls.
Reasons Invade Homes in Winter
Pests invade your house during the winter by following their survival instincts. They get inside for the following:
- Warmth. As with humans, pests want to be comfortable and warm instead of braving Hinsdale’s freezing temperatures. Rats and mice, in particular, squeeze through tiny openings in homes to find shelter.
- Food. For pests, it is not easy to find food in the winter. Food sources in the outdoors are scarce during this time, so they search for crumbs, pantry items, or pet food indoors. Rodents and cockroaches tend to feast on anything they can find.
- Water. In winter, pests still need water to survive. Dripping faucets, leaky pipes, and damp basements create the ideal environment for silverfish, termites, and cockroaches to thrive.
Importance of Winter Pest Control
Winter is one of the best seasons for pest control. By taking action now, you can prevent serious infestations in the spring as pest activity increases. Pests that settle in your house during winter do not simply leave when the weather warms up. Rather, they reproduce. A small cockroach or rodent issue in January can become a full-blow pest infestation by April.
Moreover, rodents and termites can cause severe damage to your home and property when left unchecked. Mice chew through insulation and electrical wire while termites silently eat away at your home’s wooden structures. By stopping these pests in winter, you prevent costly repairs later.
Cockroaches and rodents can pose health risks. Cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergies while rodents spread diseases through their urine and droppings. Preventing them from entering helps keep your home healthier.
How to Keep Pests Out in the Winter
To keep pests out during the colder months, a combination of proactive measures, home maintenance, and cleanliness is necessary. Because pests enter houses to find warmth, shelter, and food, blocking their access and getting rid of attractants is necessary.
One way to keep pests from entering is to seal up entry points. Rats, mice, and cockroaches can squeeze through small gaps, so a thorough home inspection is important. Cracks around doors and windows, foundation gaps, and openings around vents and pipes are common spots for pests to enter. Use caulk, steel wool, or weather stripping to seal these areas to prevent pests from getting inside. Use mesh screens or expanding foam to seal bigger openings.
Additionally, food must be stored in airtight containers. A lot of pests, including cockroaches and rodents are attracted to food sources they can easily access. Leaving food out on kitchen counters or storing dry goods in paper packaging makes it easy for these creatures to get a meal.
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