Some may hold the misconception that pests aren’t as big of a problem in the wintertime. This simply isn’t true! While some pests may be gone for the cold weather, a number of pests are looking for somewhere warm and comfortable to hide out until the climate is more welcome. Your home is a perfect winter paradise. Keep an eye out for some of New England’s most common winter pests. If you’re experiencing an infestation issue, call a pest control professional like the team at Bain Pest Control to handle your needs year-round.
Winter Rodents
Rodents are among the most common New England winter pests. As the weather gets colder, they begin to seek shelter. A rodent infestation can be hazardous to the health of the people who inhabit homes and buildings, due to the sanitation issues that they present. They are known to carry up to 35 different kinds of diseases that can easily be transmitted through their bodily waste around the house. They may also be a nuisance, chewing on the building’s structure, furniture, and dangerous items like electrical cords. If you have a rodent infestation, it’s best to consult a pest control professional to ensure that they’re eliminated in a safe and healthy way.
Stink Bugs
The brown marmorated stink bug, called the stink bug for short, is a common New England winter pest. They originated in Asia, but were introduced to North America by accident in the late 1990s. Luckily, stink bugs don’t present any major hazards or health issue for building inhabitants. However, as indicated by the name, they do carry an unpleasant odor. If you find a stink bug in your home, the best elimination technique is to vacuum it up with a vacuum cleaner. This is preferred over squishing them because squishing will release their foul odor.
Preventing Winter Pests
The best way to make sure that you don’t face a rodent or insect infestation is to make sure your home is protected during the winter. Make sure that even the smallest cracks, openings, gaps, and holes are sealed. This may be done by using caulking. Caulking may also be used to reinforce areas around windows and doors, as well as utility openings where wires and pipes enter the foundation of the home. Outside of exterior entry doors, install thresholds or door sweeps at the base, which will help to prevent entry of unwanted pests when doors are shut.