Most people believe winter to be the reprieve from pests, though many do go dormant in the colder season, there are some that remain active all year long and homes and businesses are the ideal places to find warmth and convenient food and water sources. Today, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to discuss some of the most common winter pests.
Prevention of Household Pests
Before we get into the types of pests, in an effort to minimize and even avoid the pests from coming into your abode this winter, assess the outside of your home top to bottom. Install mesh covering on the chimney and ventilation areas and patch up any holes, gaps and cracks appropriately. Be sure to keep animal-safe lids on trash cans and keep them located in secure locations. Lastly keep your home well cleaned, vacuumed daily, dishes are done, and crumbs wiped up.
Common Winter Bugs & Pests
1) Brown Recluse Spiders. Brown recluse spiders are definitely worth mentioning as they regularly come indoors during cold months. Spinning webs in isolated areas such as closets, basements, attics, and crawl spaces as well as hiding in clutter, typically fabrics, in seldom-used clothing and shoes, window moldings, and boxes these spiders keep to themselves generally. They will bite however if they are disturbed and their venom is hazardous to humans leaving their victims with severe symptoms and in rare cases, death. If bit by a recluse spider, seek medical attention immediately.
2) Cockroaches. Cockroaches invade all over the world, especially in winter and in Greater Austin, TX we have American, German, Oriental, Brown-Banded, and Wood Cockroaches and the German Cockroaches are the most common. They will come in your home or business in a number of ways; through sewer lines, slip under cracks or even be brought in via boxed deliveries, grocery bags and second-hand appliances. Cockroaches are particularly known to distribute pathogens and bacteria, induce asthma attacks and allergies.
3) Raccoons: Raccoons are nocturnal bandits, and during the cold winter months, these little critters will slip through chimneys and other points in the roof to construct dens, typically in the attic. They cause extensive property damage pillaging for food and nesting materials and are known hosts of rabies.
4) House Mice. There are a few mice species in Greater Austin, Texas, but the house mouse is the likely suspect if you spot droppings and mouse-sized damages. They can be a catastrophe as they damage everything in their path; gnawing on drywall and even electrical wiring. These little pests can easily fit into an opening the size of a dime to look for the essentials; spreading bacteria and disease as they do so.
5) Rats. Rats, much like mice are another winter invader. In Greater Austin, Texas, the roof rat and Norway rat are commonly making their way into buildings looking for food and water. They will destroy plastic and even lead pipes to get to the water and damage anything else in their way. In addition to the damage, they cause. In addition to the damage they cause, they are also known to spread pathogens and diseases including; rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, and jaundice.
Pest Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
If you discover any of the common winter intruders, call A-Tex Pest Management and let our experts take care of you.