Give Pests the Cold Shoulder This Winter

As cooler temperatures approach, so does the winter pest season.  Homeowners and renters see – and hear –  cold-weather invaders in attics, basements and walls of their properties during the coldest months of the year.  Rodents, plant bugs, lady beetles (ladybugs), box elder bugs and cluster flies seek shelter in homes during the winter months, in search of warmth, food and water.  

Rodents, perhaps the greatest health threat, carry a variety of diseases and can transmit them to humans through their urine, droppings, fleas, and in rarer cases, bites.  Rats and mice are capable of squeezing through space as tiny as a quarter and a dime, respectively, so they easily make their way into homes.  Once inside, they chew their way through walls and electrical wiring, often causing structural damage.  

“Most people don’t realize that cold-weather pests pose a problem until there’s a full-fledged infestation,” says Orkin, Inc. Director of Quality Assurance Dr. Zia Siddiqi.  “Preventing pest entry in the fall protects your home from any surprises in the winter.”

Orkin recommends the following techniques for controlling rodents during the cooler months:

* Seal gaps and holes inside the home to help prevent rodents from entering.
* Keep the interior of your home clean, storing all food and garbage in properly sealed containers.  Don’t leave dishes in the sink or pet food out overnight.
* Wipe down counters and other surface areas in kitchens daily. 
* Clean any spills immediately, even if it is just water. 

In addition to carrying disease, some winter pests prove difficult to find and control.  That’s why it’s important to contact a licensed pest control company for help in identifying and eliminating pest problems.  For more tips, visit www.orkin.com or www.orkincommercial.com.