It’s a common misconception that winter is the slowest time of year for pest troubles. The ground freezes, many insects are killed off, and rodents hide away for the winter. However, just because the temperatures are decreasing, that doesn’t mean your chances of a pest infestation are decreasing too. There are still several insects and rodents notorious for making an appearance in the cold-weather months, and if you get complacent, you could quickly find yourself with an infestation. Luckily, Bain has been a leader in pest control for over 92 years, and that includes managing your winter pest problems. Here are some of the most prevalent unwelcome pests to watch this winter.
Mice and Rats
Mice and rats are among the most common pests you should watch out for this winter. Prevalent at the start of winter, when outside temperatures begin to drop and they look for shelter indoors, they can appear anywhere, from rural farms to metropolitan business buildings. They are particularly pesky because they can chew on wires, contribute to structural damage, and potentially carry diseases. Many homeowners find them difficult to prevent, since they are attracted by most any food source, can squeeze through small spaces, and multiply quickly.
Bain Pest Control has been keeping mice and rats out of homes and businesses for over 92years (and three generations). If you have a mouse or rat infestation, we’ll start by trying to determine the rodents’ point of entry, and use a variety of proven methods—such as glue traps, snap traps, and baiting—to eradicate them.
Raccoons
Like mice and rats, raccoons often seek winter shelter by hiding under porches, sheds, or even finding their way into your garage. They can often enter through crawlspaces, basements and unsealed attics, usually in search of a denning site. They are a common source of rabies, and as such, a raccoon problem should be treated swiftly and with great care.
There are some easy steps you can take to minimize the chance of a raccoon intruder, such as making sure all garbage lids are closed, and that your home is well-sealed. We sub out our nuisance wildlife – our technicians do not perform these services. The only permanent solution for a raccoon problem is to have them professionally removed from your property. We take great pride in our humane handling of wild intruders, eradicating the nuisance with no harm to the animal.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are not only a winter pest. Just because they’re called “bed bugs” doesn’t mean they only appear in your mattress. Bed bugs can infest businesses, apartment buildings, college dormitories, hospitals, nursing homes, and even hotels. They have a lengthy lifespan, and their eggs are resistant to most pesticide treatments. Unfortunately, once you’ve noticed the problem it’s probably already become a serious infestation.
Adult bed bugs can survive over a year between blood meals, in the absence of a host. Females lay from 2 to 5 eggs every day for up to 6 months, so they can spread quickly and easily. Eliminating eggs is the #1 control problem, and our technicians are expertly trained to eliminate bed bug eggs as efficiently as possible. We are members of BedbugFREE, a network of pest management professionals throughout the United States that share a similar philosophy and approach to bed bug management.
This philosophy includes:
- A commitment to educating clients about bed To this end, we provide a variety of fact sheets and educational seminars.
- A multi-disciplinary approach to bed bug management, including both chemical and non-chemical measures (i.e. steam, vacuums, extraction tape, and so forth).
- High-quality mattress and box spring encasements, rather than the use of pesticides.
- Thorough follow-up program based upon the current status of carefully-monitored bug activity.
- Well-defined methodology for determining when an infestation has been eliminated.
- Effective steaming procedures.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are not typically active in the wintertime, unless we get unusually warm weather. Carpenter ants are versatile, and make their nests both indoors and outdoors, particularly near moist wood. Especially in the wintertime, when snow is melting and leaks are common, Carpenter Ants may have discovered a leak-prone area of your home. It’s common to find carpenter ant infestations around tubs and sinks, showers, behind tile work, near dishwashers, under roofing, siding, in attic beams, or in insulation. Once they have established a presence in your home, it’s easy for them to set up satellite nests, which can exist anywhere, with or without moisture.
They are adept at excavating and removing wood to make their tunnels, and feed on sweets like honey, syrup, sugars, and jellies, and protein sources like meat and fish. They are typically more active at night, between sunset and midnight. Bain Pest Control technicians are trained to identify the source of a carpenter ant infestation, including all satellite nests, and eradicate the problem efficiently.
Always be cognizant of which pests to watch for this winter, and the potential disruptions they could cause for you and your family. Don’t let a pest problem ruin your holiday season. Contact the experts at Bain to learn what we can do to keep your home or business pest-free this winter.