Winter is the time for breaking out mugs of hot cocoa and marshmallows. Many people don’t think wintertime is ideal for pests to become a problem and enter Omaha homes and buildings. Household infestations can take over your home despite cold weather and dropping temperatures. If you aren’t on guard, you are at risk. Let’s look at the many types of winter pests in Nebraska.
Winter Pests in Nebraska
Here’s what you should know about common winter pests in Omaha, Nebraska. Discover why year-round pest control is common.
Ants
Ants are among the most common pests that can lead to household infestations. While ants usually don’t present much of a problem for homeowners, they can become a problem when temperatures drop. Ants and other insects seek shelter from the cold during the winter months. Your home is an attractive option.
Ants might even nest in your pantry or fridge during the winter. Any food left open is an excellent food source. Ensure food is stored in airtight containers.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are one of the most commonly found infestations that can happen in the home. What makes bed bugs a particularly rough type of infestation to deal with is that they can stay dormant for over a year.
This means that bed bugs can stay and hide in furniture such as couches, beds, and chairs. Before you realize it, you have a considerable infestation all over your house. (Bed bug control in Omaha & Lincoln)
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another type of household pest common to Nebraska. A variety of different myths surround their existence. One myth about cockroaches is that they are attracted to dirt and disorder in a house. This is far from the truth. Cockroaches can be found in locations that are clean and free from dirt.
Instead, cockroaches are attracted to sources of food or heat. If they can find both things inside your home, your house is more susceptible to a cockroach infestation in the winter season.
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Rodents – Mice and Rats
Rodents will often be attracted to homes in winter because this is when they most need access to heat and food. When resources become rare outside, pests are more likely to head toward houses and food storage areas to find what they need. They can enter through tiny cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation.
Mice will gnaw and chew to get food stored in boxes and bags. They contaminate food sources and the surfaces they come in contact with. They also spread disease-causing pathogens that can make your family sick.
Learn more: What Does It Mean When You Find Mice Droppings?
Fleas
Fleas are often mistaken for bed bugs, but the difference between the two is that fleas can jump, while bed bugs usually run over surfaces to get to where they want to be. They can be a common infestation in your home – and while they can occasionally bite humans, animals are usually their main source of nourishment.
Adult fleas can lay eggs that hatch into larvae. They will get into your pet’s bedding and infest your pet.
Prevent Winter Pests In Nebraska From Coming Indoors
Consider the following preventative measures to keep pests out of your home this winter:
- Seal cracks and gaps and check any openings, including dryer vents and piping
- Dispose of garbage regularly
- Remove yard and household debris: clean up gutter and landscape beds, and trim trees and branches.
- Organize storage areas: tightly seal any stored food items in your pantry.
- Update leaking fixtures to eliminate water-seeking critters such as cockroaches
- Clean up food and moisture immediately.
- Before lighting your fireplace up for the season, have your fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned. Bugs and other pests like to hide in fireplaces and can pose a fire risk.
- Consider professional pest control services.
- Rodent infestations are less of a problem in homes with dogs or cats.
ABC Termite & Pest Control – Local Pest Control Exterminators in Omaha & Lincoln
Find a reputable local moles & voles pest control Omaha or Lincoln professional that you TRUST and ask about their pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones.
