Posted: February 1, 2023
Spring and summer are commonly known as “peak season” for most pest activity. During the warmest months in the Southeastern U.S., numerous pests, like mosquitos, ants, termites, and flies are out in full force.
Common Winter Pests You Might See Around the Home
In the Southeast, numerous pests might enter the home — both those seeking a place to enter diapause and those simply in search of a warm environment and a steady food supply. Common winter pests include the following:
Rodents: Rodents are an extremely common pest during the winter months. Rats and mice seek a warm nest in the walls of homes, feasting on any pantry items or food they can find.
Cockroaches: While cockroaches are a year-round struggle, when the cold approaches, these pests have an added incentive to find a cozy home. Cockroaches prefer to be in a warm, moist environment with ample supplies of food.
Silverfish: Less than one inch in size, silverfish enjoy taking up residence in a warm, humid location during cold months. These bugs will consume paper, including wallpaper and book bindings.
Carpet beetles: As their name implies, the larvae of carpet beetles eat through fabrics and materials commonly found in carpets, rugs, and textiles. These materials are widely available indoors, and when it’s cold, it’s easier for them to find meals by invading homes as opposed to searching for similar proteins found in nature.
How to Prevent Pests from Entering Your Home During Winter
The best way to get rid of pests is to prevent them from entering the home. Use these tips for keeping pests at bay as the temperatures cool.
Seal it up. The first step in preventing pests is to try to determine where they are entering the home. Seal up any holes, cracks, and crevices that are allowing pests in.
Consider the source. While warmth is a motivator for pests during the winter, so is food. Make sure to store all food — including pet food — in containers that are impenetrable by pests.
Be careful during holiday prep. For those who plan to bring in holiday decorations from the outdoors, it’s important to take an extra moment to double-check that no pests are hitchhiking their way indoors.
Seek professional help. As colder weather arrives, pests become masters at finding ways into the home. Once you notice one pest in the house, there are likely many others you can’t see. A pest control professional can help create a targeted strategy for removing current pests and preventing future arrivals.
We're Here to Help You!
Schedule a free consultation with us by visiting our contact page!