In the next couple of months, we will experience cooler temperatures and a drop in humidity—it’s wintertime! Do you know what that means? The Holidays are here! The good news is that you’ll be able to spend much-needed quality time with your loved ones during the most beautiful time of the year. However, there’s also not-so-good news. With the change in temperatures comes a new group of winter pests to deal with. But there’s no need to fret—Arizona’s JB’s Pest Control is here to help! Continue reading to learn the top tips and tricks for preventing pests in the winter.
What are Arizona’s Most Common Pests in Winter?
Many consider winter to be a relaxing break from dealing with pest control. Unfortunately, these are the same people who continue to struggle with nasty infestations through the winter season. While it may be comforting to assume that bugs and critters simply disappear once the temperatures drop, this just isn’t the case.
In fact, most of the common home-invading pests survive through harsh conditions. Insects, arachnids, and rodents have thrived on earth for millions of years and have pushed through millions of winters. As a result, they have unique strategies and methods to endure the most brutal winters.
Some enter a fascinating state known as diapause. The insect’s activity level and bodily functions slow down, so much so that it’s almost like they are in a deep sleep, like hibernation for mammals. Other critters continue roaming around looking for food and water, which may be far less abundant in the winter.
Most winter pests have at least one thing in common—they’re looking for a cozy and warm shelter to escape the harsh conditions. What place is more suitable for a tiny creature than our heater-equipped and well-insulated homes packed with plenty of water and practically endless food supply? Unfortunately, there aren’t many other locations that are as perfect as our homes and business for a bug’s winter paradise.
One of the first steps to keeping the pests at bay is to know what kind of creatures you are working with. Below are Arizona’s five most common winter pests every homeowner should Know:
- Termites
- Ants
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Rodents
The Top 6 Tips for Preventing Pests in the Winter
Most people would rather get a dirty lump of coal for Christmas than a sudden and out-of-control infestation. Keep the holidays pest-free by implementing the following expert tips.
1 | Begin Prepping your Home and Yard Before Winter Starts.
You may be a little too late if you’re planning on beginning your winter pest control efforts at the start of the season. The best time to kick start preventing winter pests is before the temperatures drop significantly. When summer is over, and we find ourselves well into autumn, start taking steps to keep wintertime critters out of your home and off your property.
Waiting for the chilly weather to set in is far less effective. Get ahead of common pests and prevent them from causing chaos and stress sometime in the middle of fall at the latest. Insects, rodents, and other creatures will already have established their winter home by the start of the season. Therefore, you must get an early start if you want the best chance at keeping them away from your home.
2 | Make the Necessary Repairs.
Insects and rodents are tiny and squeeze into the most minor damages around the home. Therefore, one of the first pest control efforts to check off your list is inspecting your home for any cracks and crevasses. Repairing small openings, like cracks in the exterior walls, brittle window trims, and holes in the roof will eliminate entry points for pests to sneak into your home.
3 | Consider Natural Pest Control Methods.
Believe it or not, natural pest control is an excellent long-term solution to attaining a pest-free home and yard. In other words, use the balance of nature to your advantage by introducing beneficial insects and plants that repel or consume common winter pests.
Spraying poisons and setting traps is tempting. However, these are better used as temporary solutions to the problem. If you want a continuous and nearly effortless way to control the pests in and around your home, get familiar with the insect predators and unique herbs and flowers that can deter and eliminate unwanted critters and bugs.
Some of the most effective insects to introduce to your yard as a pest control method are:
- Ground beetles
- Green lacewings
- Ladybugs
- Damsel bugs
- Pirate bugs
These insects have large appetites and consume some of the yard’s most destructive and problematic pests. Additionally, plant basil, lavender, mint, marigolds, and more to make your home less attractive to home-invading pests.
4 | Eliminate Excess Moisture in the Home and Yard.
What do all living things need to survive? Plenty of nutrition and water. Unfortunately for pests, food and water are often scarce in the winter, which is also bad news for us. Our homes are consistently stocked with clean and accessible water and an infinite amount of food for a little insect or rodent.
Eliminate excess water in the home and yard by doing the following:
- Address leaks and other plumbing issues immediately.
- Clean up spills right away, even if it’s just water.
- Use the ceiling vents in damp rooms like the kitchen or the bathroom.
- Get rid of standing water in the yard, like puddles or water-filled ditches.
- Ensure your outdoor drainage system is effective.
5 | Keep the Inside and Outside Clean and Tidy.
Prevent pests in the winter by maintaining a tidy home and yard. Not only do you need to wipe down surfaces, clean up spills, and vacuum regularly, but you also need to reduce the clutter. Piles of trash, yard debris, and rarely used items may be the perfect place for winter pests to hide away and protect themselves from freezing temperatures. First, address the mess outdoors, then make your way inside.
Outside:
- Eliminate piles of leaves, bricks, wood, and other materials.
- Keep the lawn and foliage well-groomed and avoid overgrowth.
- Seal trash bins with tight-fitting lids.
- If you store pet kibble or animal feed outside, ensure it is sealed in an airtight container.
Indoors:
- Reduce the clutter and piles in the attic, garage, basement, or storage rooms.
- Vacuum and mop regularly, and don’t forget to get underneath and behind large furniture and appliances.
- Seal the trash cans and take them out as often as necessary.
- Do not wait to clean up spills and messes, especially when it involves food or beverage.
6 | Avoid Overgrowth in the Yard.
Similar to keeping your yard neat and tidy, keep up with trimming the trees and bushes. Many common winter pests seek shelter in the trees and bushes in your yard. It’s only a matter of time before they choose to leave that home and find a way indoors.
Long tree limbs and branches of bushes can act as bridges from the yard to the home’s exterior walls. If there are hedges against your home or tree limbs that reach the walls, chop them before they become a significant issue.
Furthermore, routinely mow the lawn. Overgrown lawns make for an ideal environment for insects and critters to dwell.
Happy Holidays, From JB’s Pest Control
While DIY pest control helps to keep the critters at bay, the best present you can give yourself this Christmas is a routine inspection from the friendly local team at JB’s Pest Control.
Our specialists are dedicated, passionate, and equipped with the tools and knowledge to eliminate all kinds of infestations. Even better, we’ll prepare your home for winter by addressing the problem areas and teaching you exactly how to keep the pests away.
Call JB’s Pest Control today to see how we can help you best enjoy this special time of year!
