5 Common Winter Pest Problems (and What You Can Do About Them)

Although you won’t have to worry about mosquitos and flies in the winter, there are five cold weather pests you need to look out for. Maintaining your property is a year-long job, and you should do everything in your power to keep your property secure.

An outbreak in your commercial building or industrial area could be more than problematic for your business. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain what pests to look out for, how to prevent them from infesting your property, and how to exterminate them.

Do You Need Pest Control in the Winter?

During the wintertime, pests seek shelter in locations where they can find food, water, and warmth. Since commercial buildings or industrial areas are larger, there are various ways these cold-weather pests can get inside.

Windows
Doors
Walls and ceilings
Pipes
Vents

Furthermore, pest populations can multiply rapidly inside commercial properties and industrial areas.

The best way to maintain your commercial property is by scheduling regular winter pest control inspections and preventative services. Preventing an outbreak is a much more effective winter pest control solution than dealing with a full-blown infestation.

Common Cold Weather Pests

Winter is a time when most of us warm up indoors. But did you know many pests have the same idea? Let’s go over some of the most common winter-related pest problems and what you can do about them.

There are five common winter pests you need to be aware of when the cold winter season arrives. Some of these pests cause problems year-round but grow in numbers in the winter because of freezing outdoor temperatures.

Let’s take a look at what to watch out for:

1. Rodents

Rodents, such as mice or rats, are crafty little critters that every commercial property owner has to deal with. Mice cause property damage by chewing through drywall, electrical wiring, beams, and woodwork. Rats cause even more harm since they are larger and chew through anything made of wood or plastic.

You will commonly find rodents in dark and hidden areas such as attics, basements, kitchens, or storage closets. To prevent rodent infestations:

Eliminate food sources, water, and shelter
Use clean garbage cans with tight lids

With a bit of vigilance, you can keep rodents away for good.

2. Ants

Ants generally build their main colony outside your property but can potentially produce a satellite colony inside your building during the winter. Their only goal is to search for food and feed the colony. If they can’t find any food, they will either look for food outside your property or enter hibernation.

How to prevent ant infestations:

Eliminate all food and water sources
Keep the floor cleaned and vacuumed

Ants can become a real problem if not addressed.

3. Cockroaches

Cockroach breakouts can be tough to deal with. These insects often find refuge near moisture, excess water, and food.

If not dealt with quickly, cockroaches will soon multiply and eat anything they can find. Furthermore, they leave an unpleasant odor and contaminate the surfaces they touch. Cockroaches also carry and spread diseases such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, salmonellosis, and polio.

How to prevent cockroach infestations:

Check for leaks in your pipes and repair them quickly
Remove blockages in pipes to prevent bursts and leaks
Seal the pipe entry points into your property
Make sure all food is cleaned, and floors are vacuumed

Bonus tip: Cockroaches are especially drawn to rotting vegetables.

4. Termites

Termites are destructive insects that damage wooden structures and electrical wiring. During an infestation, you can usually find torn-off termite wings on windowsills.

How to prevent termite infestations:

Ensure the trees and plants near the property are watered and healthy
Hire pest control experts to inspect wooden structures every six months

A termite infestation can quickly destroy your building’s support timbers.

5. Spiders

Spiders are found on every commercial property and often camp in hidden locations. Although they’re small and usually unbothered, a spider infestation can lead to severe consequences.

Spider webs accumulate dust that disperses when people walk through them. This dust can trigger allergies, which cause breathing difficulties in certain individuals. Furthermore, sensitive individuals will have allergic reactions when coming into contact with spider droppings.

How to prevent spider infestations:

Vacuum frequently
Keep trees and plants near your property trimmed

Some spiders also have highly toxic bites.

Finding the Best Winter Pest Control Company

If you’re facing a potential pest outbreak and need winter pest control, Coastal Spray is here to help. We are an industrial grounds maintenance company that specializes in pest prevention as well as extermination.

Our pest control technicians are licensed and accredited to provide your property with the full coverage it needs. Keep in mind that Coastal Spray does not conduct pest control for homes. We specifically service commercial buildings and industrial areas.

Monday, November 29, 2021