If pests could get jealous, they would. Just think about it. We have heated homes that keep us warm regardless of the temperature outside. Pests have to go out of their way to find somewhere warm to survive the colder months. We have what seems like infinite food and water. Pests need to hunt for and gather everything they eat. We can lay down in our beds at night and feel safe and secure. Pests have to watch out for attackers from all angles constantly. As we head into winter here in Greensboro, pests will not be coveting our homes but instead coming inside to share them with us. If you are looking for a way to keep overwintering pests off your property this season, here are some things you should know.
What Pests Invade Homes In Winter?
Some pests invade homes year-round, and others strictly invade homes during the colder months of the year. Examples of year-round pests include ants, spiders, rodents, and cockroaches. These invasive creatures enter our homes to scavenge for food and because, more often than not, our living space is more comfortable than their habitat outdoors.
Overwintering pests only invade homes to avoid the cold of winter. Two great examples of overwintering pests in our area are lady bugs and stink bugs. During the warmer months of the year, you'll find these pests around crops. As a general rule, these insects prefer living outdoors rather than inside. However, as temperatures plummet and life outside becomes unlivable, these small insects start looking to find shelter indoors.
How Overwintering Pests Get Indoors
Lady bug and stink bug invasions start with harmless sunbathing. As temperatures drop outside, these pests flock to the exterior of our home to catch warm rays of light. From here, these curious insects find holes, gaps, and cracks that lead them indoors. Once inside, lady bugs and stink bugs will look for places to hide, such as storage areas, basements, crawlspaces, and attics. Keep in mind, the main goal of these pests is to survive the winter. They are not in your home to steal your food, set up a permanent home, or hurt your family.
The Problems Overwintering Pests Cause
Lady bugs and stink bugs are not dangerous pests. They do not carry any diseases, do not bite people, and are not poisonous. What these pests are is annoying. Although lady bugs and stink bugs do their best to stay hidden, there will always be the occasional wanderer. If enough of these pests get into your home before winter hits, you will notice them regularly around your living areas up till spring.
How To Prevent Overwintering Pests
Hopefully, at this point, your home isn't already crawling with pests. If it is, these following prevention tips will not help. If your home is currently pest-free, try these simple tricks around your Greensboro property.
- Seal your home's exterior foundation and around window and door frames using caulking.
- Make sure your window and door screens are in good working order.
- Repair broken or improperly installed weatherstripping and door sweeps around your home.
- Keep unscreened doors, and windows closed as much as possible.
- Fix damaged shingles, siding, and chimneys.
- Install screens over vents leading out of your home.
To guarantee pests stay out of your house this winter, get the experts at Go-Forth Home Services involved. Our team of trained pest technicians has the industrial-grade tools and advanced pest control strategies your home needs to fight back against overwintering pests.
Call us today or reach out through our website to learn more about our comprehensive and affordable pest management plans and find one that best fits you and your home's needs.