In a previous post, we talked about where bugs go in the winter. Some may migrate to warmer climates to survive, while others enter a state of sleep referred to as torpor. Those who stick around tend to seek shelter from the chilly weather outside by moving into the homes of unsuspecting homeowners. If you have recently discovered a pest infestation in your home, rest assured that Earthwise Pest Management is here to help.
We offer Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, and the surrounding area to eliminate the problem pest and keep them from coming back in the future. Contact us today for an estimate! In the meantime, let’s check out five of the most common winter pests in California.
5 Common Winter Pests
Mice
Preferring to nest in areas that are dark and secluded, house mice are one of the most common winter pests that we deal with here in California. It is not unusual to find infestations in basements and attics and if you do, it is wise to contact a pest management professional right away. Why? Mice have been known to cause extensive structural damage to homes by chewing through drywall, wires, and plastic plumbing lines. Beyond that, they also contaminate food and are known for spreading diseases to people and animals.
If you suspect that you have a mouse infestation in your home, contact Earthwise Pest Management right away for an effective rodent control plan. This may include sealing cracks and holes on the exterior of your home with caulk and steel wool, as well as eliminating sources of food and water for the critters.
Rats
Also a member of the rodent family, rats are another common winter pest that often seeks out shelter in dark, secluded places. Norway rats, in particular, are very common and they only need a ½ inch opening to gain access to your home. These rats are brown in color, have a long snout and tail, and small ears. Similar to mice, rats can cause damage to your home by chewing through just about anything in search of food and water. They are also known for transmitting many diseases including Hantavirus, leptospirosis, and tularemia.
Our pest management experts will complete a thorough inspection of your home as part of our rodent control services to identify possible access points and conditions that are favorable for nesting and breeding. Contact us right away if you have seen evidence of rodent activity in your home.
Ants
Ants are harmless, right? Not quite. While there are some species of ants that are more of a nuisance than anything, there are others that can actually cause structural damage to your home. Carpenter ants are one of those species and they happen to be a common winter pest in California. These ants have strong mandibles that allow them to dig small holes within wood surfaces, making their nest in the small, protected cavity they create. As such, a sure sign of a carpenter ant infestation is small holes in your baseboards or your floor and ceiling joists.
If you spot these signs in your home, it is wise to contact an experienced ant control expert right away not only because of the structural damage that is occurring, but because carpenter ants can be very challenging to get rid of. They often require a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management plan to completely eliminate, and our team has the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to do so.
Spiders
Eeeeek! If the thought of eight-legged pests makes your skin crawl, you aren’t alone. Unfortunately, spiders are another common winter pest here in California and two species, in particular, are more common than others. The brown recluse spider and black widow spider prefer to spin their webs in secluded, protected places and they both bite when threatened. These painful bites can be very dangerous and even deadly to some individuals, making it essential to protect your family and pets from spider infestations in your home.
Seeing a spider inside of your house every now and then is not uncommon. However, if you begin to see a large number of spiders that seem to be concentrated in one area of your home, then it is time to contact a spider control expert. Our pest management team can efficiently and accurately identify the spider to determine the best course of action to eliminate the infestation.
Cockroaches
Did you know that there are about 4,500 known species of cockroaches and that at least 25 of them are associated with human habitats? It’s true, and the German cockroach, in particular, is a common invader of homes during California winters. These pests like to live in places that provide ample amounts of food and water close by, making your home the perfect spot to settle in for a long winter. They are expert hitchhikers and often make their way into homes via paper grocery bags, cardboard boxes, and infested secondhand furniture.
Like other pests, cockroaches are known for contaminating food sources. They also spread harmful bacteria and human pathogens and can trigger breathing difficulties for those who have asthma. Effective cockroach control begins with proper identification and a comprehensive pest exclusion plan, both of which our pest management experts can help you with.
Effective Sacramento Pest Management
Here at Earthwise Pest Management, we believe that the best defense is a good offense. That is exactly what our Integrated Pest Management services provide because they get to the source of the problem, identifying conditions around your home that could actually be attracting the pests you are trying to prevent. As part of our effective pest control services, we complete a detailed inspection of your property to identify conditions ideal for breeding and possible harborage areas to provide you with a pest exclusion game plan that will prevent the pests from returning once they are eliminated.
Ready to get started? Contact our Sacramento pest management experts today to request an inspection and estimate. We look forward to helping you!