Household pests can be a perennial nuisance for homeowners. The onset of each season may bring a fresh wave of critters looking for shelter in our homes, causing damage, spreading disease, and inciting fear and discomfort. Here’s a closer look at the top seasonal pest threats, why they’re a concern, and how homeowners can prevent them.
The Top Seasonal Pest Threats
Winter Pests: The Cool Season Invaders
The chill of winter drives most creatures into hibernation, but certain pests come indoors seeking warmth. The most common winter pests are mice and rats. These rodents will capitalise on any small openings to invade homes, potentially spreading diseases such as hantavirus and salmonellosis.
Cockroaches are another uninvited winter guest, often entering homes through pipes and drains. They bring allergens, causing allergies and asthma, particularly in children. As soon as you notice signs of these pests, find exterminators who specialize in rodent and roach control to promptly address the issue.
Spring Pests: The Season of Rebirth – and Re-infestation
As flowers bloom and temperatures rise, pests come back to life. Ants are pervasive spring nuisances, crawling into homes in pursuit of food and shelter. Carpenter ants can pose a double threat as they also damage wooden structures.
Termites are another serious concern. Known as the “silent destroyers,” they can cause extensive structural damage before homeowners even notice an infestation. Spring is also the season for stinging pests, such as bees and wasps, who can create troublesome nests and pose a risk for those with allergies.
Summer Pests: Warm Weather Woes
Summer is prime time for household flies and mosquitoes. These biting insects are not only annoying, but they can also transmit diseases like Zika virus and West Nile virus. Fleas and ticks are other summer-specific invaders that threaten both humans and pets with ailments like Lyme disease.
It’s also not uncommon to find stink bugs, disturbing your summer barbecues with their unpleasant smell when threatened. Pest control during this season is crucial to ensure that your home remains a comfortable, safe sanctuary.
Fall Pests: Unwanted Autumn Arrivals
As the weather starts to cool, pests like spiders, boxelder bugs, and ladybugs will often migrate indoors to escape the cold. While these pest invasions may be more of a nuisance than a danger, seeing large numbers of spiders or beetles around your home can be quite unsettling.
Stink bugs and Asian lady beetles are particularly active in autumn, often gathering in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings. Once they find a way inside, they overwinter—in the quite literal sense—until warming temperatures rouse them from dormancy.
Preventing Seasonal Pest Infestations
Regular pest maintenance throughout the year is the ideal way to prevent seasonal pest infestations. Here are a few preventative measures to consider:
1. Seal gaps where pests can enter: Small gaps in windows, doors, or walls are an open invitation for pests. Ensure all such openings are well sealed throughout the year.
2. Practice good hygiene: Most pests are attracted to food sources. By cleaning up food spills, washing dishes promptly, and regularly disinfecting surfaces, you remove the food appeal.
3. Regular inspections: Routine home inspections, ideally at the start of every new season, can help detect a potential problem before it grows out of control.
4. Use a professional pest control service: A trusted, professional service can protect your home from infestations and the damage pests cause.
Conclusion
Armed with the knowledge about seasonal pest threats, homeowners can take the necessary steps to protect their homes. By being proactive with preventative measures and knowing when to call in professional help, you can ensure that your home remains pest-free — no matter what the season brings.
