The year 2020 was a year unlike any other. The global pandemic took a toll on everyone and everything, and that includes pests. With more people spending more time at home, and fewer restaurants being open, rats especially were on the rise in residential areas during 2020, prompting a more serious need for Niagara pest control services. What does 2021 hold for us? What does the pest situation look like when the winter thaws and spring begins?

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are carried from one location to another, so it’s only natural the spread would be less during 2020 when fewer people traveled. Now that people have begun traveling again, hotels and other similar establishments are opening up. This gives those dormant bed bugs a source of food and a way to get around. Some signs you might have a bed bug infestation include:

• Waking up with red, itchy bites on your body, particularly in a distinctive, straight pattern.
• Small blood spots on your bed, which come from crushing a bug in your bed when you roll over.
• A musty odor from pheromones released.
• Recent travels or purchasing second-hand furniture.

Bees and Wasps

Most bees and wasps didn’t go anywhere during the pandemic, and you can count on them being there again when the winter starts to warm up. Check for nests during the early weeks of spring because the longer you go, the larger their nests will get.

Birds

Pigeons and other nuisance birds are great at carrying and spreading diseases. We all just spent the last year going to extreme measures trying to stay healthy. It would be a shame to come down with something because of a bird. Some areas these birds often inhabit include:

• Signs
• Air ducts and ventilation pipes
• Roof lines
• Exhaust fans
• Exterior lights
• Exposed beams

Carpenter Ants

There’s a possibility you’ll have to deal with a carpenter ant infestation after your family spent so much time in your home together. Carpenter ants are looking for an area that’s humid, damp and has a great source of water. With the family on lockdown, the kitchen and bathrooms might have gotten more use, which gives the carpenter ants that damp area they’re looking for. Professional Niagara pest control services are necessary to ensure they are removed correctly.

Mosquitoes

Regardless of the pandemic, mosquito populations have been on the rise over the last few years. All they need is a host to feed on, and with people everywhere, they have what they are looking for. Mosquitoes breed in water, and all it takes is one small teaspoon. Be sure you clean up any standing water around your home. If you do notice there are more mosquitoes than usual, realize it may get worse as the season goes on, so you’ll want to have the problem taken care of right away.

Rodents

As was previously mentioned, rodent infestations in residential areas went up significantly in 2020 because the restaurants they usually feed at were closed. They slowly made their way into residential areas, eventually causing infestations to many homeowners. The best way to get rid of the issue is to limit areas where they can hide and prevent entrance to your home. Some action items include:

• Having cracks and holes in the foundation sealed up
• Cleaning up piles of debris including garbage, branches and piles of firewood
• Keeping your garbage cans sealed at all times
• Closing up areas under the porch or around vents

Spiders

Some spiders like areas that are humid and moist. Others prefer warmer, dry areas. Being home during lockdown could have created both of these situations. It takes good sanitation on your part and a comprehensive pest control system on our side to get rid of your spider infestation.

As you can see, there are probably some serious issues in store when it comes to pest infestations, so you’ll want to be ready with our number on speed dial. Contact Truly Nolen Canada today to schedule your Niagara pest control services.