Three Winter Pests to Watch Out For
Winter brings relief from many pests that don’t like the cold weather. Flying insects seem less active, but in fact, they are more likely to be hiding. In extreme cold, bees will hibernate, and as the weather warms, you will see them once again.
Several pests may become more active in the winter months, and watching for them and signs of their presence in your home or business can be the first step to getting rid of them if they are already inside. If they aren’t, hiring a quality, low-toxicity pest control company is the only sure way to keep pests out of the space you want pest-free, like your home or business. Some pests are much more common to see in the winter months, including rats, bed bugs, and termites. Fleas and ticks can be a nuisance, but a comprehensive pest control plan can keep them at bay. If smaller insects and pests are not exterminated, they can invite larger pests, such as squirrels and raccoons, into the home.
Rodents Inside for Warmth
Rodents can be mice or rats, and when it gets cold, they seek shelter in warm, cozy spaces, often inside homes. Rodents will nest in attics and crawl spaces and use a variety of materials they find in the garage or other areas. Open spaces in walls can also be vulnerable to rodent nesting because they are protected, their nests aren’t disturbed, and they can stay warm without much trouble. Rodents carry disease, putting your family and pets at risk, which is why it is essential to get rid of them with effective extermination methods as soon as evidence of their presence is found. Professional pest control companies may offer free inspections, and if it is determined that rats are nesting, it is critical to exterminate them and take measures to keep them away. Sealing points of entry, removing food sources, and maintaining homes and garages clutter-free are significant ways to keep them away. Rodents carry disease, but also breed at the speed of light, so leaving them free to have more babies only means a more challenging task of getting rid of them and keeping your family and pets safe.
Bed Bugs Reflect Human Behavior
Although a bed bug problem may slow down during colder months, it can still cause major infestation and make the holidays a nightmare. Bed bugs tend to stay in areas where people rest, which is why they often end up in beds and couches. They will settle on sofas, chairs, and beds. Inspecting your home, or having a professional pest control company do it for you, is the best way to stay ahead of pest problems. If red and brown colored spots appear on mattresses or sheets, you probably have bed bugs that need to be professionally treated. Acting quickly is critical to success, and a quick extermination is required to kill them. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, which means they can spread from the bed to other rooms in the house, making it unpleasant for residents and guests to be at home.
Termites Tearing Up the Wood
In winter, termites will move indoors into unoccupied spaces. Attics, basements, crawl spaces, and walls are all vulnerable without a solid pest-proofing service. Termites seek out warm, stable environments where they can continue breeding. Inside homes is where termites have easy access to what they want – wood! Termites reproduce quickly and can infest a home in a short time. A termite inspection can help determine whether they are in the home or business structure, and a treatment plan can then be implemented. Every cent spent on pest control is worth it, and a tailored plan tailored to your area is the best approach. Using low-toxic products and creating a pest-free perimeter without putting people at risk is the only way to do pest control in DuPage County.
Stay Pest Free This Winter
As the holidays are upon us, the last thing businesses and homeowners want to worry about is their guests having bed bugs, termites crawling on the counter, or rats scratching inside the walls. If you live in Cook or DuPage County, Bigfoot Pest Control is the best, most reliable, eco-friendly, and low-toxicity pest service. Locally owned and operated, Bigfoot is personally invested in helping its neighbors have a pest-free winter and holiday season.
Whether you suspect you have pests or want an inspection, contact Bigfoot today. You will only need to make one call because they have top-of-the-line products that are safe for people and pets. You never have to move out or be away from your home or yard, because the products are low-toxicity and highly effective. We are the area’s favorite pest control company, and we can help you, too! Call us today at 847-891-8852!