Don’t Forget About Winter Pest Control!

Don’t Forget About Winter Pest Control!

Contrary to popular belief, pests don’t just disappear when colder weather sets in. Overwintering pests are those that find a warm place to shelter during the winter, most often inside your home! Some household pests thrive year-round because the warmth, water, and food supply in your home allow them to survive even in the harshest weather conditions. Some common winter pests include rodents, roaches, spiders, and bed bugs. For this reason, it’s important that you don’t forget about winter pest control! Here are a few of our favorite winter pest control tips you can use to make your home pest-free.

  1. Seal cracks and crevices outside your home to keep pests from being able to get in, especially where pipes and utility lines come into the house.
  2. Replace any loose mortar.
  3. Replace weather stripping around doors and windows.
  4. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it if possible.
  5. Keep your home decluttered.
  6. Use plastic storage instead of cardboard when possible.
  7. Eliminate moisture and standing water in and around your home (leaky pipes, clogged drains).
  8. Use door sweeps.
  9. Repair or replace screens on windows and doors.
  10. Use chimney screens.
  11. Ventilate and keep attics, basements, and crawlspaces dry.
  12. Clean up any food and crumbs.
  13. Invest in routine pest control from a professional pest control company.

 

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How Dangerous Are Orb Weavers?

How Dangerous Are Orb Weavers?

Orb weavers can be scary looking with their large size and the giant webs they weave. But are they dangerous to humans or pets?

The short answer is no. Although these spiders can bite, they lack the potent venom needed to cause serious damage to humans or larger animals. Their bites are comparable to bee stings. These pests are quite docile and usually non-aggressive; they are more likely to flee from you than to attack and bite you if disturbed.

Orb weavers are garden pests, often found in bushes, trees, wood piles, yard debris, under porches, under roofs, and under eaves. They get their name from the large, circular, wagon wheel shaped webs they weave. Because their family is so diverse, these spiders come in a variety of colors and markings, with some of the more common ones being bright yellow and black.

Orb weavers eat a variety of small insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, moths, flies, and wasps. They are quite beneficial to have around as they help keep other pest populations under control.

If you have an issue with spiders or other pests, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation and treatment options.

 

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Benefits to Winter Pest Control

Benefits to Winter Pest Control

You might be thinking that since the weather is cooling down, pests won’t be as active. While that’s the case to some, most pests will be making their way indoors to seek warm shelter. Some homeowners even claim to see more pests in their home once the weather cools down. Here are some of the most common questions about winter pest control.

Which Pests Are Most Active?

Surprisingly, there are some pests that survive throughout the colder months. The main ways they stay alive are through hibernation, migration, and overwintering. Overwintering pests are our main issue in the winter. These are the pests that will migrate indoors instead of to a different part of the region.

Some of the most common pests still seen in the winter are cockroaches, rodents, and termites. Most of the time their activity might slow, but they are still nearby and ready to get back into full gear once the weather warms up.

How Often Should Pest Control Be Done?

The goal of pest control is to keep pests away and prevent infestations. Therefore, quarterly pest control is important. If you miss your regular pest control in the winter, it can create an easy opportunity for pests to get inside.

Winter is the best time for a barrier to be put in place. Some pests including spiders, cockroaches, and rodents can be a bigger issue this time of year, so getting ahead of schedule is key.

If you are ready to set up your winter pest control, give your local pest control company a call and they can help you set up a customized plan to prevent these pests.

Are Granddaddy Long Legs Spiders?

Are Granddaddy Long Legs Spiders?

When you hear the word arachnid the first thing that usually comes to mind is spiders. While spiders do make up a large portion of arachnids, they aren’t the only members. Ticks, mites, scorpions, and harvestmen (also known as grandaddy long legs or daddy long legs) are also members of the arachnid family. Arachnids are defined as animals with 4 pairs of legs, chelicerae (which are fang-like mouthparts), and pedipalps (appendages also found near the mouth). So while they are all members of the same family, granddaddy long legs are not, in fact, spiders.

There are several key differences between granddaddy long legs and spiders. Spiders have 2 body segments (a cephalothorax and abdomen) differentiated by a narrow “waist.” Granddaddy long legs have an oval shaped body with no separation. Spiders typically have 8 eyes while granddaddy long legs have 2. Spiders produce silk and spin webs; granddaddy long legs aren’t capable of this. Spiders are also predators, using their venom to disable their prey. Granddaddy long legs are scavengers and don’t need venom to neutralize food sources.

Although they can be a little creepy looking, these pests are quite beneficial to have around. Because of their varied diet which consists of small insects, worms, snails, droppings, and fungi, granddaddy long legs help keep other pest populations under control. They are harmless to humans.

If you have a problem with granddaddy long legs or other pests, contact your local pest control company for a free evaluation.

 

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4 Fall Pest Proofing Tips

4 Fall Pest Proofing Tips

The cooler weather of fall drives many pests indoors in search of warmth from the cold, shelter from the weather, and food when supplies are scarce. These overwintering pests will spend the cold season indoors, often in your home, until the weather warms back up in the spring. Some common fall pests are spiders, rodents, roaches, and stinkbugs. Don’t let these pests take over your home this fall. Keep them out with these 4 fall pest proofing tips.

1. Seal Them Out

The first step in pest-proofing your home is to seal them out. Pests can be very creative when it comes to finding ways into your home. Screen attic vents, chimney openings, mail slots, and pet doors. Seal any cracks or crevices on the exterior of your home with caulk or steel wool. Seal around any utility pipes that enter your home. Replace or repair weatherstripping on doors and windows. Repair any loose mortar around windows and foundations. Install door sweeps on your doors. Repair and replace any window screens.

2. Dry It Out

Most pests need water to survive. Many prefer a moist environment to thrive in. Eliminating sources of water will help keep pests out of your home. Keep crawlspaces, attics, and basements dry and ventilated. Consider crawlspace enclosure. Use a dehumidifier in garages and basements. Make sure you have a proper drainage system installed outside your home. Install gutters and keep them clear of debris. Consider installing gutter guards to help eliminate clogs. Make sure drainpipes are diverting water away from foundations. Repair any leaks as soon as possible. Get rid of any standing water on your property.

3. Clean It Up

Pests will also be drawn to any areas of your home where they can find food. Eliminating these food sources will go a long way towards pest-proofing your home. Keep kitchen counters and appliances clean. Store food in airtight containers. Empty your trash regularly and use trashcans with lids. Clean up after each meal, making sure to not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Seep, mop, and vacuum regularly. Don’t leave pet food or water out overnight.

4. Don’t Forget Outside

Some pests will lurk outside your home and use every opportunity they can to hitchhike their way inside. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and inspect it carefully before bringing it indoors. Keep shrubbery trimmed and grass mowed. Don’t let any limbs or branches touch the exterior of your home. Inspect any storage boxes, decorations, etc. before bringing them inside.

If you have a problem with pests during any season of the year, contact your local pest control company for a thorough evaluation.

 

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