During the winter months, some pests go into hibernation, while others go into high gear, clawing their way into homes in search of warmth and food.
If you’ve ever suffered from a pest infestation, you’re probably rooting for the former group. And if you haven’t, you’ll want to study up on the most common winter pests so that you will be able to identify and deter them.
Be Proactive about Pest Control in New Hampshire
Pest control in New Hampshire is a task you should undertake with urgency, being proactive and getting a jump on pests before—not after—you spot them. All pests multiply with surprising speed and efficiency, so one or two mice in the kitchen pantry today can mean a dozen more in no time at all.
No matter what their numbers, pests let their presence be known in a home. Just consider what they do best:
- Chew on cotton (think of clothing, bedding, and drapes) and sturdier wires and electrical cords
- Gnaw at and eat through wood
- Infiltrate and ruin food
- Itch and scratch (which may not sound so bad until their persistent clawing wakes you up—and keeps you up—in the middle of the night)
- Spread viruses and disease (mice can spread salmonella, while cockroaches can trigger allergies and worsen asthma symptoms, especially among children)
In the worst-case scenarios, or those in which pests are allowed to gain the upper hand (or claw), they can wreak financial destruction on a homeowner. In fact, Renovate magazine cites “pest management” as the fourth most expensive home repair. (The top three? Restumping (replacing a wood subfloor), installing a new roof, and replacing a home’s wiring.)
Attack Pests in New Hampshire with a Vengeance
Now that your guard is up, learn which pests are especially determined to make their way indoors during the winter and what you can do to block their entry:
- Cockroaches, which are drawn to open food and open water. Keep them at bay by vacuuming floors frequently, keeping garbage cans covered, disposing of garbage promptly, and keeping counters and floors free of crumbs. Check your bathroom and kitchen sinks for leaks and repair them.
- Mice, which prefer dark areas, such as basements and attics. Since mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, seal cracks and holes in these areas with caulk. Seal boxes well and keep them off the floor; mice prefer to hide amid clutter.
- Norway rats, which, like mice, can squeeze through tiny openings. But they are tougher; they can chew through lead and plastic pipes, too. Since they are drawn to basements, seal cracks and holes with caulk. And eliminate moisture sources, even if this means purchasing and installing a dehumidifier.
- Raccoons, which are climbers and often make their way into a home via the roof. Knowing this, repair roof vents, secure loose siding or shingles, and install a mesh cap over the chimney. Stay one step ahead of these “trapeze artists” by preventing tree branches from coming into contact with your roof.
- Spiders, which prefer to spin their webs where they’re most likely to work undisturbed, such as in attics, closets, and basements. Trees and shrubs draw spiders like magnets, so keep those in closest proximity to your home trimmed and ensure that tree branches and limbs do not extend to your roof.
Despite your best efforts, pest control in New Hampshire often requires a professional’s expertise. In this case, reach out to Bain Pest Control Services. Think of our expert services as a winter rite of passage—one that will give you the upper hand over winter pests of every kind.