5 Reasons to Continue Pest Control Through the Winter

The cooler months in Charles City can provide a break from the frustrating pests of summer, but they also introduce new pest issues. Overwintering insects, rodents, and other pests can become an increasingly common problem as the cold temperatures and unpredictable weather disrupt shelter and food sources. These changing conditions can push pests into indoor living areas within Charles City homes, ultimately encouraging homeowners to continue their pest management efforts.

1. Address Rodents That Stay Active in Winter

Rodent activity in Charles City is one of the more concerning pests for residents to address. Rodents can carry diseases, fleas, and other pests into homes as they move through attic spaces, wall voids, ductwork, and around the home in search of food, shelter, and water. These determined pests can chew through wood and other materials in order to gain access to the necessary resources during the winter months, and are known to damage insulation and even electrical wiring. Signs of these pests can include scratching within walls, unusual odors in concentrated areas, droppings, and gnaw marks.

2. Watch for Overwintering Insects

Overwintering insects are a frustrating pest in Charles City. Overwintering insects will commonly swarm the sunny sides of homes during the fall season. Their cold-blooded nature leads them to seek out warm spots, while the incoming cold spell drives them into indoor living spaces. These tiny pests will squeeze through damaged or bent window frames, torn screens, gaps around doorways, and other tiny cracks that allow access into homes. Once inside, they commonly seek refuge within wall voids and attic spaces, and will begin to reemerge into homes during warmer periods of time.

3. Check Attics, Garages and Kitchens

Addressing pest activity within your Charles City home involves identifying early signs of pest activity. During seasonal transitions, you can conduct a simple home inspection to note areas where pest activity can be found. Check kitchen areas for signs of scratching, gnawing, or food that has been disturbed by pest activity. In quiet areas such as garages, attics, and storage spaces, look for signs of damaged boxes or fabrics that can be used for nesting. Additionally, check for signs of pest activity within unmoved containers, around clutter, and behind areas that typically go overlooked. If possible, remove excess clutter, store soft fabrics within durable containers, and conduct a quick sweep to remove clusters of insects, spider webbing, and perishable items. 

Learn more about integrated pest management guidance.

4. Maintain Barriers Against Entry

Another way to reduce pest activity at your Charles City home is by securing areas where pests commonly enter. During your inspection, take a moment to assess areas around the home that you can address quickly. Targeted areas around your home can include doorways, gaps around utility penetrations, garage door corners where small gaps are visible, and areas where damaged vent or window screens provide entry. You can address these areas of your Charles City home by replacing damaged window or vent screens, replacing worn door sweeps, and using durable sealants in gaps found around external pipes or utility lines.

5. Match Pest Control to Actual Activity

The need for professional pest control services at your Charles City home can depend on the level of pest activity you’re experiencing. If you’re noticing recurring pest movement, hard-to-reach entry points, or an established pest presence, it can be beneficial to work with a reputable company.

Need Help With Pest Control in Charles City?

Our team at Mosquito Squad of Williamsburg can help to identify pests, note areas of risk, and create a tailored pest control plan that suits your home and needs. One option includes our Yard Defender package, which helps to reduce and control pests for up to 21 days at a time. This pest control plan is designed to create a barrier of defense through liquid and granular treatments, targeted applications, and recurring visits to address pest activity around the property.

For help with pest control in Charles City, call Mosquito Squad of Williamsburg at (757) 280-3624 or request a free quote online.