Just like humans, pests prefer to stay cozy in the winter months. and our homes can be the perfect place to hunker down and wait for spring - but with some basic preventative measures, this doesn't have to be the case.
Check out the infographic below to learn about common winter pests in Massachusetts, and find out what you can do to keep them out of your home this season.
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Rodents. Mice and rats are opportunistic feeders, rarely turning up their noses at just about any food source (even trash). Store food in airtight containers, keep cabinets free of crumbs, and regularly clean contact surfaces to let them know they're not invited to dinner. Reduce harborage areas by keeping your space clean and organized - rodents are experts at finding places to hide and to nest. Finally, check the exterior of your home for possible entry points, such as cracks and crevices in your foundation, openings around utility lines, or gaps around doors and windows - and remember, mice only need an opening about the size of a dime to get inside. (Bonus: Get our free Rodent Season Survival Guide here!)
Cockroaches. Although cockroaches have a reputation for being indestructible, they cannot survive freezing temperatures and will seek warm, damp accommodations to escape the winter elements. Make your home less appealing to cockroaches by reducing moisture such as leaky plumbing and standing water, taking garbage out regularly, and not leaving dishes or food out (and that includes pet food).
Spiders. Luckily for us, the majority of common spiders in Massachusetts homes are harmless and may even help alert you to a different pest problem - but that doesn't mean you want to share your space with them. Keep clutter to a minimum and dust or vacuum frequently, especially behind and underneath furniture. If you'll be using a fireplace to stay toasty this season, store firewood outside and off the ground if possible.
Overwintering insects. Overwintering insects such as stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs generally don't do much in your home except wait for the weather to turn more favorable. You'll tend to see them in fall when they are coming inside seeking shelter for the winter, and again as spring approaches and they prefer to make their way back outside. To keep these multi-legged meddlers at bay, keep vegetation trimmed back from your home and secure the perimeter: Make sure doors and windows close securely without gaps, and repair or replace any loose or torn screens.
Bed bugs. Bed bugs don't die off or hibernate in the cold season; in fact, a lot of our winter activities make us even more vulnerable (think holiday travel, turning up the heat at home, spending more time under cozy blankets, etc.). Make sure your home doesn't become a bloodsucker bed-and-breakfast by inspecting luggage and laundering clothes and bedding after travel, vacuuming regularly, and learning the signs of a bed bug infestation.
In addition to these tips, a great piece of advice is to have the phone number of a professional pest control company handy. The experts at Burgess Pest are here to keep you pest-free in any season with Pad Protection Plans customized to your home - get started with a free estimate today!
