Pest control is important throughout a given year, but some of the priorities change when we get into the colder winter months. Certain insects and smaller pests are less common during this time of year, as they can’t breed in these conditions, but there are several other pest types that are either larger or more resilient, and therefore capable of surviving and even thriving in the right conditions despite the cooling temperatures.
At A-1 Exterminators, we can help you control these potential issues, from larger rodents to some of the most durable and difficult-to-remove crawlers. This means helping you with our various exterminator services, but it also means providing basic pieces of advice and expertise in an area we know well.
And as more and more homeowners are looking to stay green and help the environment, we’re regularly asked some form of this question: How do I prevent winter pests with natural, non-chemical solution that will still be effective enough to get the job done? While there might be some situations where more in-depth solutions are required (such as if an infestation has already spread), here are a few of the most common winter pests plus the natural means to keep them away from your home.
Mice
Mice are one of the most common household pests throughout the year, but especially during the winter as others die off and they continue to forage around and search for warmth. They’re dangerous for more than one reason – not only are they unsightly creatures that create several specific health risks to the people in the home, namely food contamination, they’re also known to cause damage the home as a whole. They damage several areas as they nest and reproduce, which they do quickly and often.
If you’re looking for a natural solution for mice, consider mothballs. These are known to scare away mice, so if you place them at known entry points, you should be in good shape.
Raccoons
Your children may find raccoons cute if they see them, but don’t be fooled. They’re both dangerous and aggressive, commonly hosting rabies or other diseases. They’re commonly found in areas like the chimney, trash can, vents or major wooded areas of your home during winter.
For natural raccoon prevention, look first to ammonia. This substance is known to work as a short-term deterrent to their presence, particularly when placed around garbage or other areas where they might go.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are known as one of the most resilient pests on the planet, and this is partly due to their strong ability to hide themselves. Whether it’s the heat of summer or the dead of winter, they can fit inside even tiny cracks and make their homes. They love food and moisture, so even little crumbs or the tiniest leaks will draw them in. There isn’t actually a single natural substance that prevents them – rather, keeping your home as clean and dry as possible is the simplest tool at your disposal.
For more on natural ways to prevent common winter pests, or to learn about any of our pest control or exterminator services, speak to the pros at A-1 Exterminators today.
