Winter is fast approaching, and you’d be wrong to think that you won’t have any pest problems until spring. Your home will be a cosy place to live during the winter months and will provide pests with everything they need to survive. Taking a few extra steps can help keep them out.
We’ve put together a list of the pests to watch out for this winter and how to deter them.
Rodents
Winter is rodent season! The cooler months are the opportune time for rats and mice to find solace and warmth in your home. They are one of the most successful mammals on earth for adapting and colonising human habitation.
Rodent Proofing your Home or Business
To prevent rats and mice taking up residence in your home, it’s important to make your home less attractive and less accessible to rodents. This means removing potential food sources and blocking up potential entry points.
- Place any opened food in thick plastic or glass jars with well fitted lids
- Ensure pet food is not left out and stored in rodent proof containers
- Ensure you maintain good hygiene in food areas and clear up any spills
- Clear back vegetation from the perimeter of the building
- Trim back any branches overhanging the roof
- Block any holes that rodents could enter
- Stored items in roof voids and sub-floor in sealed plastic boxes not cardboard boxes
For more detailed tips check out our blog on rodent proofing your home.
Termites
Termites may slow down a bit in the cooler months, but they are active all year round! If you have heating in your house they will appreciate it and eat even faster!
Winter is an ideal time to book your termite inspection as there is generally less vegetation around so the perimeter of the building is often more accessible for inspection. If you do have termites, you certainly want to spot them in winter before they become even more active in the warmer months.
How to make your home less attractive to termites
Reducing the chances of a termite attack involved reduce potential food sources and reduce moisture levels in the soil around and under your home.
- Avoid timber to ground contact. Any outdoor timber posts or decking should be supported with an appropriate concrete base and metal stirrups. If timber to ground contact is unavoidable, use treated timber.
- Store timber & firewood away from the main structure.
- Fix any leaking pipes as termites are attracted to moist areas.
- Keep down pipes free from blockages.
- Remedy any drainage issues around the perimeter of the building or in the sub-floor.
- If you have a sub-floor check for humidity or moisture. Ensure vents are large enough and unblocked, and avoid storing goods in the sub-floor as this restricts airflow. If necessary install sub-floor fans to circulate the air and reduce humidity.
- Avoid using wood mulch and watering systems directly next to the building. Pebbles and plants in pots are a better option.
Overwintering Pests
Generally speaking insect and spider numbers drop off during winter as they die and reproduction slows down. For the spiders and insects that survive, they often “over-winter” – find a safe, sheltered position to hide for the cooler months.
European wasps overwinter in one of two ways. Large nests may die back a bit but reduce their activity, often staying in their nest except for the warmer days. New queens that are produced from mature nests in Autumn find a safe location to hide, much like other overwintering pests. If you spot a wasp nest around the building or in the roof void during the cooler months, please give Rebel Pest Professionals a call. Such nests are generally safety to remove when they are less active during winter and it’s certainly a good idea to eliminate the nest before it becomes active again in spring.
Other Pests Active in Winter
Some other pests do remain active inside home during winter, especially if the home is heated. These are the main pests to keep your eye out for:
If you spot these pests you will probably need to book a treatment. would like peace of mind for the winter months call Rebel Pest Professionals now on 49546867 or email us now to book in a treatment.