Fall came upon Utahns quickly this year, with temperatures quickly turning cold and signaling the eventual onset of winter within the next couple months. This is a signal to homeowners everywhere to prepare their properties for the cold season in a few important areas, one of which is ensuring pest control is up-to-date and in proper order heading into the winter.
At A-1 Exterminators, we offer a wide range of pest control services ranging from termite control and inspections to spider spray, rodent blockers, anti-bird products and many others. The kinds of pests that are a risk to your health and comfort during the winter can be a bit different than those during the warmer part of the year, though there’s some overlap as well – this two-part blog will dig into all the invaders you might see during the winter, plus how you can take some basic steps to head them off in advance.
Mice and Rats
Mice and rats are two of the most common rodent pest invaders throughout the year, but they can be particularly bothersome in the winter. This is because they begin to seek shelter in warmer temperatures – shelter they often find somewhere in your home.
Some general tips for preventing this:
- Place all food or leftovers in sealed metal or glass containers that cannot be chewed through.
- Seal any cracks or openings in your doorways, window areas or other parts of the home’s exterior – even a hole as small as a pen or pencil can be large enough for rats or mice to sneak in through.
- Check around other entry points like vents, pipes, wires or others, and seal these if needed.
- When performing sealing around the home, avoid using wood products because mice and rats can chew through them.
Carpenter Ants
While ants of various types can be an issue at various points throughout the year, one to keep an eye on during the cooler months is the winged carpenter ant, which likes to nest in a moist environment. It will nest in your dead trees or branches in the yard before traveling to the home for food, so one top prevention method is clearing such debris from the yard before winter hits. In addition, repair leaking pipes or faucets that create moisture, as this is another common nesting spot.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are named for a specific reason: They love various fruits and vegetables, particularly those with bruises on them. Don’t buy these products if possible, and always keep uneaten and ripe fruit in the fridge. If your fruit or veggies develop bruises, cut them off and throw them away. Finally, replace broken screens on windows or worn-down weather stripping on doors and windows, both of which are common entry points for fruit flies.
For more on how to ward off common winter pests ahead of time, or to learn about any of our exterminator services, speak to the staff at A-1 Exterminators today.
