Pests are a problem year round, and the cold winter weather in Niagara is not going to get rid of your pest problems for you. You need to take charge of your own pest control.
The best way to control pests is to be proactive and educate yourself. There are many myths surrounding pests and pest control, and you need to be able to separate the facts from the fiction or you could end up with a big problem on your hands, or rather in your home.
Pests hibernate
One of the biggest misconceptions about pests is that they hibernate, and there for you do not need to worry about them in the winter. This is simply not true. Many pests do not hibernate and they survive the cold by moving into your nice warm home.
Winter weather kills pests
If cold weather was enough to get rid of pests, many pest control companies in Niagara would only have to work for about 6 months of the year. This, however, is not the case – pest control is a year-round job and pest control companies are busy regardless of the season.
Pests are resilient and stay warm by making themselves at home in cozy places like your pantry, attic, basement or the dark corners of seldom-used cupboards. Some even bring their family with them or make a new one in your home, and when the weather warms up you could easily find your home overrun by unwanted guests.
Pests are only attracted to the heated areas of your home
Nobody likes to be outdoors in the cold and neither do pests. But unlike us, they don’t need to curl up next to a roaring fire or radiator to be happy. Just being in your house will be enough for them, and they will look for somewhere where they can find food and build a comfortable nest. Ideally in a place where they will not be disturbed, like your attic, basement or crawl space.
Pests are only attracted to food
Crumbs and rotting food left lying around on your counters will definitely attract pests. But even if your house is immaculately clean, and you keep your kitchen counters spotless, your home could still be a source of food for pests. Rats, mice, and cockroaches all love breadcrumbs and cookie crumbs. For them, these are luxuries that are only available in your home but if they can’t sink their teeth into these delicacies, they will find other things to eat. Wood and garbage, or even human and pet hair, are a potential source of the nutrients that pests require to stay alive. This means that even the cleanest house can be a haven for pests during the coldest months.
Out of sight, out of mind
Even if you don’t see any pests in the winter, doesn’t mean that they are not there. Many pests that move into your home to escape the cold, will keep a low profile in winter but once the weather warms up they will become more active. The best way to prevent a winter infestation is to be proactive and inspect your home for possible pest entry points. You need to repair any holes and cracks in your walls and roof to ensure that pests cannot gain access to your home. Make sure that windows and doors seal properly, and there are no gaps that pests can sneak through.
Don’t wait for pests to become a problem before you react to the threat of an infestation. In the fight against pests, it is best to act first and winterize your Niagara home appropriately to keep pests out. The best way to do this is to consult a Niagara pest control expert. Truly Nolen will inspect your Niagara home and help you draw up a pest control plan that covers all the seasons. Following the Truly Nolen Four Season plan will give you peace of mind and allow you to stay snug and warm in winter, without worrying about unwanted houseguests.