Common Winter Pests and How to Keep Them Away

Contrary to popular belief, most pests don’t disappear or die off in winter – especially here in Las Vegas. Though cold weather may stop some critters, many will try to find a warm and cozy place to spend the winter. Unfortunately for you, that means they may try to sneak into your home. Knowing about the common winter pests can help you prepare your home and block out these unwanted guests. Here are some of the most common winter pests and tips for how to keep them away:

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice are some of the most common winter pests throughout the United States. Unlike other rodents that hibernate during the colder months, rats and mice will seek shelter in warm homes with plenty of access to food and water. A rodent infestation can be very damaging to your home and health, so it’s important to keep these pests from sneaking indoors. Some ways to keep rats and mice out include:

• Seal off any cracks, gaps, and entrances into your home
• Store your food in airtight containers and regularly sweep messes
• Trim trees and shrubs at least 4 feet away from your house

Spiders

Some spiders have a unique survival characteristic that allows them to withstand cold temperatures. Certain species have an antifreeze protein (AFP) in their bodies that prevent ice crystals from forming in their blood, which keeps them from freezing in harsh weather. Though each type of spider is different, infestations can be unsightly and may result in painful bites or web litter throughout the house. Here are a few ways to keep spiders from entering your home:

• Fix any broken screens or other tiny entrances to your home
• Seal gaps around wires and faucets around your house’s exterior
• Remove clutter and any potential hiding places

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are hardy pests that can be very dangerous to your health. These insects are known for carrying a wide variety of diseases, and they can even trigger allergic reactions or severe asthma attacks. Even worse is that cockroach infestations can spread extremely quickly, which is why it’s important to keep these pests out of your home in the first place. Here are a few tips for keeping cockroaches out of your home:

• Properly dispose of trash in a covered container
• Cut off water sources by fixing any moisture problems
• Never leave food out and regularly sweep up crumbs

Bed Bugs

If you’re traveling for the holidays, you’ll want to be careful about keeping yourself safe from bed bugs. These pests frequently latch onto things like clothing and suitcases, and they can spread very quickly between people. Even just a couple of insects is enough to start an infestation, which can lead to health issues like anemia, infection, and respiratory problems. Here are our tips for avoiding bed bugs while traveling:

• Carefully inspect hotel or guest rooms for signs of bed bugs
• Use hard-cover luggage and store your clothes in airtight bags
• Wash your laundry on high heat immediately upon returning

Superior Pest Control in Las Vegas NV

Winter pests can be very sneaky and persistent. Even with these precautions, some unwelcome critters may still make it indoors. If you notice the signs of an infestation, it’s important to take quick action to prevent the problem from growing out of hand.

To quickly and efficiently remove pests from your home, call the experts at Pest Control Inc! Our skilled technicians have been proudly serving homeowners throughout Las Vegas for over 20  years, and we make it our top priority to provide excellent service and effective pest control solutions. Just give us a call today to schedule a free estimate!