Cold Weather Critters: Identifying and Dealing with Winter Pests in Your Area
As the temperature drops, many critters seek refuge indoors, making winter pest control a top priority for homeowners. From mice and rats to spiders and cockroaches, various pests can infiltrate your home in cold weather. Identifying these pests is key to effectively dealing with them. Let’s take a closer look how to do just that.
Signs of Winter Pests
Droppings and Chew Marks
Keep an eye out for rodent droppings, which can look like small dark pellets, near food storage areas or in hidden corners. Gnaw marks on walls or furniture can also be a sign of a rodent infestation, as these creatures often chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing.
Signs of Activity Around Food
Additionally, take the time to inspect food packaging for tiny holes or any signs of insect activity, especially near kitchen cabinets where stored food is vulnerable. Pay attention to commonly infested items such as flour, rice, and cereal boxes. These pests can include pantry moths, beetles, and weevils which are often attracted to stored food during the colder months.
How to Prevent Winter Pests at Your Home
Dealing with winter pests requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, exclusion, and treatment. Firstly, focus on sealing any cracks or crevices around your home’s exterior to thwart pests seeking shelter from the cold. Additionally, ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent unwanted guests. Keeping a clean and organized living space reduces potential hiding spots for pests and helps deter their presence.
Another crucial measure is to ensure that food and garbage are properly stored to eliminate potential food sources for pests. Ensuring that all food items are stored in tightly sealed containers will effectively keep pests at bay, as they won’t be able to access these food sources. Additionally, disposing of garbage regularly in closed bins will limit scavenging opportunities for pests.
How to Deal with Existing Pest Problems
For existing infestations, it’s important to consider utilizing traps and baits that are specifically designed for the type of pest you’re dealing with. For example, snap traps can be effective for catching mice and rats, while sticky traps can help capture crawling insects like spiders and cockroaches. Additionally, using baits that are formulated to attract these pests can also be helpful in controlling their populations.
When placing traps or baits, it’s crucial to identify the areas where the pests are most active, such as along walls, near food sources, or in dark corners. Regularly monitoring and replacing traps or baits is essential for maintaining their effectiveness. It’s also important to take precautions when using traps and baits in homes with pets or small children, ensuring they are placed out of reach.
It’s also important to consult with a professional pest control service for more severe cases.
With the right knowledge and proactive measures, you can effectively identify and deal with winter pests in your area before they become a nuisance in your home during the colder months.
Contact Shumaker Animal Control for Effective Winter Critter Control
If you are experiencing problems with raccoons, mice, deer, or any other winter critters on your property, contact the professional wildlife removal experts at Shumaker Animal Control at (443) 854-8072 or through our website for more information. We have the knowledge and expertise needed to safely and humanely relocate winter wildlife away from your property. We can also provide recommendations for further measures to take within your home to ensure you don’t have the same problem later on in the winter.