Pests to Watch For In The Winter

Poquoson, VA, winters bring chilly temperatures, often driving pests into warm, cozy homes. While you're sipping hot cocoa by the fire, some unwelcome guests might settle in uninvited. Yikes! From rodents to cockroaches, winter pests can create all sorts of problems if left unchecked.

In this guide, we'll dive into Poquoson's most common winter pests, what attracts them to your home, and how Mares Exterminating can help keep them at bay.

Why Pests Love Winter

When temperatures drop, pests become desperate to survive. Unfortunately, your warm and food-filled home offers the perfect refuge. Pests are often attracted to the following:

Warmth: Heated spaces keep pests cozy during the cold months.
Food: Crumbs, pet food, and pantry items can attract hungry critters.
Moisture: Leaky pipes and damp basements create ideal breeding grounds.

So, what types of pests are most likely to move in during the winter? Let's take a closer look.

1. Rodents: Mice and Rats

Rodents top the list of winter pests. These sneaky critters can squeeze through tiny openings, gnaw on wires, and contaminate food. Common signs of a rodent infestation include:

Droppings near food or hidden spaces.
Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings.
Chewed wires, furniture, or food packaging.

Prevention Tip: Seal any cracks or holes around your home's foundation, windows, and doors. Also, store food in airtight containers.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are not just a summer problem—they can thrive indoors during the winter, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. They're attracted to warmth and moisture and can carry bacteria that pose health risks.

Signs of Cockroach Activity:

Droppings that resemble coffee grounds.
Shed skins or egg cases.
A musty odor in infested areas.

Prevention Tip: Fix leaks promptly and keep your home clean, especially in areas where food is prepared.

3. Spiders

While many spiders are harmless, they're still unwelcome houseguests for most people. During winter, spiders move indoors seeking warmth and food (a.k.a. other insects).

Signs of Spiders:

Webs in corners, basements, or ceilings.
Actual sightings of spiders.

Prevention Tip: Declutter storage areas and vacuum regularly to remove webs and eggs.

4. Silverfish

Silverfish are creepy, fast-moving insects that thrive in humid environments. They feed on paper, fabric, and glue, making your books and clothing vulnerable.

Signs of Silverfish:

Small holes or yellow stains on paper or fabric.
Shedded skins near hiding spots.

Prevention Tip: Use dehumidifiers and store valuable items in airtight containers.

5. Ants

Certain species of ants, such as carpenter ants, may enter homes during winter to escape the cold. Carpenter ants, in particular, can damage wooden structures by tunneling through them.

Signs of Ant Activity:

Trails of ants leading to food sources.
Piles of wood shavings near wooden structures.

Prevention Tip: Eliminate food crumbs and seal entry points around windows and doors.

6. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs don't care about the weather—they just want to hitch a ride into your warm home. They often spread through travel and used furniture.

Signs of Bed Bugs:

Small, itchy bites on exposed skin.
Rust-colored stains on bedding.
Tiny eggs or exoskeletons in mattress seams.

Prevention Tip: Inspect luggage and second-hand furniture before bringing them into your home.

How Mares Exterminating Can Help

When it comes to keeping your home pest-free, DIY measures can only go so far. At Mares Exterminating, we offer comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to Poquoson, VA residents' unique needs. Here's what sets us apart:

Expert Inspections: We'll identify potential entry points and the type of pest you're dealing with.
Customized Treatments: Our pest control plans are designed to address your specific concerns.
Preventative Solutions: We focus on long-term prevention to keep pests from coming back.

How to Keep Winter Pests Out

Want to make your home less appealing to pests this winter? Follow these quick tips:

Seal Entry Points: Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps in windows, doors, and foundations.
Keep It Clean: Regularly vacuum, sweep, and wipe down surfaces to eliminate crumbs and spills.
Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers to store pantry items.
Fix Leaks: Repair plumbing issues that cause moisture buildup.
Declutter: Remove clutter from basements, attics, and garages where pests can hide.

Don't let winter pests disrupt the peace of your home in Poquoson, VA. You can keep your space pest-free all season by taking proactive steps and working with trusted experts like Mares Exterminating. Whether you're dealing with rodents, cockroaches, or spiders, we've got the tools and experience to help you win the battle.

Need a pest-free home this winter? Contact Mares Exterminating today for a professional inspection and customized treatment plan.

Pests to Watch For In The Winter