One benefit of the colder months is that most annoying pests such as mosquitos, gnats, wasps, and snakes hibernate until warmer weather arrives in the Spring. However, there are some pests that stick around through the winter and put a damper on our cozy days at home. These creatures find retreat in warm, dry houses just like humans do when the temperatures near freezing. Because of this, wintertime in East Texas is the prime time for homeowners to find pests such as rodents, roaches, termites, and spiders around their houses. The problems associated with wintertime pests can range from mildly inconvenient to dangerous. So, it is best to protect your home from pests and to detect their presence as soon as possible. Luckily, there are a few key signs you can be on the lookout for to determine if you are sharing your space with unwanted winter guests.

Rodents

When people think of common winter pests, mice are often the first creature that comes to mind. This is because we tend to notice an increase in rodent activity during the winter because mice actively look for the warmest, driest place to make their nests. Rodents like to tuck themselves into walls, attics, basements, and cupboards to wait out the cold. This can be a problem because, according to the CDC, rodents “destroy property, spread disease, compete for human food sources, and are aesthetically displeasing.” Clues that you might have small furry visitors in your home include: fresh rodent droppings; nests; gnaw marks near entry points, in corners, along doors, floorboards and baseboards, and near food sources; food scraps; and smudged areas (called runways or tracks) along walls or near baseboards. Some ways to protect your home against rodent invasion is making sure that all points of entry (doors, windows, along the foundation) are sealed and making sure to eliminate potential food sources by keeping food put away and your house clean of crumbs or trash.

Roaches 

While roaches can be found in and around Texas homes all year round, their presence becomes more apparent in homes during the wintertime. Like other winter pests, they crave the warm, comfortable food source that your house can provide for them. Roaches often gravitate towards dark, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Many people don’t even realize that roaches are in their home because the creatures are nocturnal and tend to only move around in the dark. To lessen the chances that roaches will vacation in your home for the winter, keep your home clean and store food in airtight containers, eliminate areas with excess moisture, and seal cracks around exterior doors and windows and around the baseboards of bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior rooms.

Termites

Another pest you should keep an eye out for during the winter is the termite. While these insects are typically more active in the Spring and Summer, they can be invasive in the winter and you might see signs of their existence around your home even if it is cold out. Termites should be identified and eliminated as soon as possible because they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Signs that you might have termites include: thin lines of mud tubes along walls or your foundation, visibly damaged or hollowed out wood, moist spots on walls, or creaking floor boards that give when you step on them.

In any case, you can keep these troublesome winter pests at bay by using year round prevention methods and by scheduling regular pest control treatments and inspections. Luckily, Petty’s offers pest control services to ensure your family’s comfort in and around your home. Our technicians use the most innovative techniques and equipment to rid your home and yard of those unwelcome house guests. With Petty’s proven track record of excellent service and reliability, you can rest secure in the knowledge that we’re here to help. To schedule a quote, contact us at 800-258-9184.