Winter is a season of cold, snow and ice, but it is also a time when many pests try to invade your home in search of warmth, food and shelter. While most homeowners expect to deal with pests during the summer months, winter can be worse. Here are the top pests that get into your home in winter and how they do it.
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1. Mice and Rats
Mice are one of the most common pests that invade homes during the winter months. They are attracted to the warmth and shelter provided by homes, and they can easily find their way inside through small cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and foundations. Mice can also climb walls and enter through windows and doors that are not properly sealed.
Like mice, rats are also attracted to the warmth and shelter provided by homes during the winter months. They can enter homes through small gaps and holes in walls, floors, and foundations, and they can also climb walls and enter through open windows and doors. Rats are also attracted to food, so it is important to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills.
2. Squirrels
Squirrels are known for their ability to climb trees, but they can also climb walls and find their way into your attic or crawl space. During the winter months, squirrels may look for warmth and shelter in your home. They can enter through small gaps in your roof or walls, and once inside, they can cause damage to insulation and electrical wiring.
3. Bats
Bats are nocturnal animals that are commonly associated with Halloween, but they can also become a problem in your home during the winter months. Bats can enter your home through small gaps and cracks, and they are attracted to warmth and shelter. If you hear scratching or rustling noises in your attic or walls, you may have a bat infestation.
4. Raccoons
Raccoons are known for their cute and cuddly appearance, but they can also be a nuisance when they invade your home during the winter months. Raccoons are attracted to warmth and shelter, and they can enter your home through open windows, doors, or holes in your roof or walls. Once inside, raccoons can cause damage to your attic or crawl space, chew on electrical wires, and leave behind feces that can spread disease.
Raccoons are also known for their dexterity and can easily manipulate latches and locks to gain access to your home. To prevent raccoons from invading your home, it is important to seal off any potential entry points, such as gaps in your roof or walls, and keep your windows and doors securely closed. It is also important to keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and to remove any sources of food or water from your yard, as raccoons are attracted to these as well. If you suspect that you have a raccoon infestation, it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove the raccoons from your property.
5. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another common pest that can invade your home during the winter months. They are attracted to warmth and moisture, and they can easily find their way inside through cracks and gaps in walls and floors. Cockroaches can also enter through pipes and drains, and they can be carried into your home on food packages and grocery bags.
6. Spiders
Spiders are not usually considered a pest, but during the winter months, they can become a problem. They are attracted to warmth and can often be found inside homes near windows, doors, and other sources of heat. Spiders can enter homes through small cracks and gaps in walls and floors, and they can also climb walls and enter through open windows and doors.
7. Silverfish
Silverfish are a small, wingless insect that is attracted to warmth and moisture. They can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home where there is moisture. Silverfish can enter homes through cracks and gaps in walls and floors, and they can also be carried in on clothing and other items.
8. Ants
Ants are not usually a severe problem during the winter months, but they can become a problem if they find their way inside your home. They are attracted to warmth and food, and they can enter homes through small cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and foundations. Ants can also be carried into your home on food packages and grocery bags.
9. Earwigs
Earwigs are another type of insect that can invade your home during the winter months. They are attracted to warmth and moisture, and they can enter homes through small cracks and gaps in walls and floors. Earwigs are also attracted to light, so it is important to keep your windows and doors closed at night.
Seal out Pests for a Pest-Free Winter Home
It’s clear, there are many pests that can invade your home during the winter months. These pests are attracted to warmth, food, and shelter, and they can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and foundations. It is important to take steps to prevent these pests from entering your home, such as sealing cracks and gaps, keeping your home clean and free of food crumbs, and keeping your windows and doors closed at night. By taking these important steps, you can prevent pests from invading your home and ensure that your family is safe, cozy and pest free every winter.
