Winter Pests 101: Common Pests Invading Your Home

Just like you and your family will be heading indoors to stay away from the cold, so will a few unwanted friends. As winter approaches here in Iowa, you’ll want to protect your home from potential invaders. Rodents and wildlife are common winter pests. Needless to say, no one wants to deal with either. The team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to share all you need to know about the critters to keep an eye out for in the winter—and how to prevent them from getting into your home.

Winter Pests in Des Moines

1. Mice

They may seem cute and cuddly, but one surprise scurry across your foot and your mind will be forever changed about this common winter pest. Mice aren’t just an annoying nuisance. They can be quite damaging to your home and health. Mice typically nest in tiny, dark spaces like attics or crawl spaces. They can chew through drywall, wood, and wires and can cause some pretty serious damage if undetected. Worst of all, mice carry a number of harmful diseases that can spread to your family and pets.

2. Cockroaches

Nothing ruins a cozy evening by the fire like seeing a big cockroach scurrying across the hearth. Cockroaches do best in warm, damp areas, so while running your furnace and humidifier is great for you, it’s not so great for your pest situation. This is especially true as temperatures drop outside. Roaches will do their best to come inside to find a more inviting environment.

3. Spiders

Most spiders try to construct their nests in undisturbed areas like attics, closets, and basements. These options become even more appealing as the weather conditions outside become frigid, windy, and damp. While most spiders are not poisonous, some, like the brown recluse, have venomous bites that are dangerous to humans. As winter approaches and spiders move indoors, you may find that your paths are crossing more often than you’d like.

4. Bed Bugs

You know the saying, “Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t just mom’s cute way of saying goodnight. As the holidays approach and you travel to see friends and family, the risk of a bed bug outbreak increases. Bed bugs can enter your home on bedding, luggage, and even clothing. As you make your travel plans, verify that your hotels have not had a recent bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can be particularly difficult to eradicate in the winter when beds don extra blankets, quilts, and comforters for warmth.

How to Prevent Winter Pest Problems

While there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t battle some of these pests every now and again, there are ways to significantly reduce your risk. Here’s how you can prevent and deter various winter pests:

Preventing Pests Outside

• Seal cracks in your siding, foundation, and roof.
• Properly trim shrubbery and remove excess greenery from landscaping
• Store firewood away from your home.
• Remove and dispose of any rotting wood, including old sheds, furniture, and dead trees.
• Keep trash and recycling bins clean and covered.

Preventing Pests Inside

• Maintain a weekly cleaning regimen that includes sweeping, dusting, and monitoring for signs of pests.
• Keep kitchen floors and counters free from crumbs and spills.
• Remove excess water from basement and attic areas, and limit humidifier use to personal areas of the home.
• Store out-of-season clothes and shoes in plastic bags or containers.
• Examine “hot spots” for pests regularly and treat them when necessary.

Annual Pest Control Services

If you’re struggling with winter pests, contact Springer Professional Home Services. An expert on Des Moines area pests, the professional residential pest control experts at Springer can aid in your efforts to rid your home of unwanted guests. Contact us today to learn how we can keep you pest-free* this winter and all year long.