As the cold months settle in, pests like rodents (mice and rats), bed bugs, and brown recluse spiders can become more active indoors, seeking warmth and food sources. If you find yourself facing a winter pest problem, here’s what you need to know about the most common winter pests in the Canada.
1. Rodents (Mice and Rats)
Rodents are notorious for entering homes during the colder months to escape the harsh weather. Mice and rats are clever at finding cracks and holes in your home, which serve as entry points for these pests. Once inside, they can cause damage by chewing through insulation, wires, and food containers.
These pests also pose health risks due to their droppings. Mice and rats are known to lay eggs in hidden spaces, making it even harder to track and eliminate them.
Prevent Future Infestations: Seal all cracks and holes around windows, doors, and other entry points to prevent rodents from entering. Ensure food sources are stored properly to discourage their presence.
2. Cockroaches
Certain species of cockroaches, such as German cockroaches, remain active year-round in heated indoor environments. These pests thrive in warm, moist environments and can multiply quickly if not controlled. Cockroaches are notorious for finding shelter indoors during the cold months, where they can easily lay eggs and increase their population.
Prevent Future Infestations: Keep food sources sealed, clean all surfaces, and seal entry points to avoid inviting cockroaches into your home during the winter.
3. Spiders
While some spider species slow down in winter, others, like the brown recluse, seek shelter indoors to avoid the cold weather. Spiders often enter homes through cracks and holes, especially when they’re in search of food sources. They may remain active, hiding in dark corners, and can continue to reproduce in warmer, more sheltered spaces.
Prevent Future Infestations: Regularly inspect and seal cracks and holes in your walls and windows to prevent spiders from entering. Keeping your home free of food sources can also help deter them.
4. Ants
Some ant species, such as carpenter ants and pharaoh ants, remain active indoors throughout winter. These ants forage for food inside homes and may find their way into pantries or other areas with accessible food. While you may think ants die off in winter, many species remain active and can infest homes year-round.
Prevent Future Infestations: Seal all entry points and eliminate food sources that could attract ants into your home during the cold months.
5. Bed Bugs
Contrary to common belief, bed bugs are not deterred by cold weather. They remain active year-round and can infest homes at any time. These pests feed on human blood and can hide in cracks, crevices, and bedding. During winter, when people turn up the heat, bed bugs remain a year-round problem, especially in areas where they can find food sources like sleeping humans.
Prevent Future Infestations: Regularly inspect your mattresses and furniture, particularly in high-risk areas. Professional pest control services can help manage bed bug infestations effectively.
6. Stored Product Pests
Insects like pantry beetles, flour beetles, and grain weevils are known to infest stored food during the winter months. These pests typically thrive in warm, moist environments, often hiding in pantry items, bags of flour, and other grains. Even in cold weather, they remain active, feeding on stored food and contaminating it with larvae.
Prevent Future Infestations: Store all dry foods in airtight containers, and regularly check pantry items for signs of pest activity. Dispose of any contaminated items immediately.
Winter Pest Control Services: Get Ahead of the Pests
While these pests may be more active in the winter, taking proactive measures like sealing entry points and eliminating food sources can help protect your home. Pest control services can also identify and address winter pest problems quickly, ensuring your home remains pest-free all season long.
Top Line Pest Control offers expert winter pest control services, using eco-friendly solutions to effectively remove both commercial and residential pests. Our professional team specializes in removing rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders, and more. Call us now to protect your home from winter pests before they enter and infest your space!
