5 Winter Pests to Watch Out For

Five Common Winter Pests

Many pests in Utah are active throughout the year or even more so during the colder months. Here are five of the most frequent winter pest invaders.

1. Mice: While mice might be small, they can inflict property damage as they chew through many materials. They can also spread diseases.
2. Rats: Rodents like mice and rats are active year-round. Rats are also very destructive and potentially dangerous to human health.
3. Spiders: While most spider species aren't that dangerous, they are still upsetting to find in the home. Many species will get inside in the winter as they search for their prey. And, a couple of species can be dangerous.
4. Ants: Most ant species are inactive during the winter. However, they can stay active if they've already infested your home. Some species, like carpenter ants, can even live in the walls of your home.
5. Beetles: Indeed, beetles usually emerge in the spring. But, they often overwinter inside of homes.

Winter pests can cause many issues, so knowing how to prevent them is critical.

5 Winter Pest Prevention Tips

While not all winter pests are the same, there are some practical prevention tips you can follow to deter them. Here is what our pest control experts suggest:

1. Store firewood away from the house: By storing firewood and other wood piles at least 30 feet away from the home, you'll help keep rodents, spiders, beetles, and more from getting inside.
2. Reduce moisture around the property: Excess humidity attracts many kinds of pests. To reduce humidity, you can use dehumidifiers, fix leaky faucets, and clean up debris around the yard.
3. Seal up cracks and gaps: Many insect species can slip through tiny holes. Make sure to use weather stripping and door sweeps. Also, patch up any holes in the walls with caulk.
4. Clean up food debris: Most pests, especially rodents and ants, are attracted to food sources. Ensure that you keep kitchen areas cleaned and take out the trash often.
5. Request pest control services: Finally, regular treatment from pest control professionals can prevent pest infestations and remove current pest problems.

Keep Winter Pests Out of Your Home

Need winter pests removed from your property? At Nature's Gate Pest Control, we offer year-round pest control services. We focus on sustainable, eco-friendly pest management to keep pests from becoming a problem, no matter the weather. Contact us today to request a quote or to schedule a time for us to come out to your property.