As colder weather sets in, we tend to stay in our homes to stay warm and cozy. Many of us tend to think that colder weather will keep pests away, but those pests want a warm place to spend the winter months too. Just because it might not get bitterly cold in Texas doesn’t mean you won’t have to deal with pests this winter.
Common Winter Pests in Texas
Mice. If you have openings to your home that are as small as a nickel you might have mice coming in. If they have made their way inside you might notice droppings, gnaw marks at entry points and on food packaging and smudges along walls and baseboards.
Rats. Openings the size of a half-dollar give rats the opportunity to get into your home. The signs you have rats are the same as mice, only bigger. Rodents multiply extremely fast. Take action as soon as you notice any signs that you're dealing with rodents.
Cockroaches. Cockroaches have been around for 300 million years, so a little cold snap is not going to kill them. But just like any other pests, they would still rather be in your warm home than out in the cold.
Ants. Fire ants are common in Texas. They are very aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that disturbs their nest. Their bite is painful, and they will attack in large numbers. If you notice mounds that are half an inch tall to several feet, you might have fire ants.
Termites. Your home has three things that termites need to survive – warmth, water, and wood. The cold weather makes them less active in the winter, but they are still a threat.
Spiders. As bugs come into your home, spiders will follow right behind. Most spiders are harmless and more annoying than anything. Brown recluse and black widow spiders are both found in Texas, and because they are both reclusive in nature, it’s rare to find them in your home. If you do happen to find them, call pest control.
Earwigs. While earwigs are not harmful to people, they can target indoor plants in your home and fruits and veggies in your kitchen. Your home is more inviting if there are high levels of moisture. Sealing entry points will also keep them away when the weather gets warm again.
Winter Pest Control
• Inspect the foundation of your home for any openings that pests will use to get in and seal them.
• Check your pantry and cabinets for food damage. Even if you don’t find any evidence consider sealing your food in airtight containers.
• Dispose of food as quickly as possible and use a garbage can with tight-fitting lids to deter pests.
• Keep your home clean and clutter-free to prevent hiding places for pests.
Pest Control in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
The temperate Texas winters prevent many pests from going into deep hibernation like those in northern states. That doesn’t mean they don’t want to find a warm place to spend the winter. Winter pest control is easy when you have A-Tex Pest Management on your side. Give us a call to set up service today!