There’s a chill in the air, vibrant colors in the leaves, and the sun is setting a little earlier every day. These are all sure signs that winter and the holiday season are coming, and with holiday decorations also comes winter pests. In this article, we discuss winter pests that are common in New Jersey and how to be prepared with Bergen County animal control.
Common Winter Pests
When the winter season rolls around, pests of all shapes and sizes head indoors to find food, shelter, and warmth. These pests usually seek refugee in areas of the home without much activity (attics, garages, basements, etc.) but holiday activities can easily bring these pests to more common areas of your home. This is because of the decorations, equipment, and winter clothes pulled out of storage and brought into the home, that otherwise spends a full year in storage spaces of your home gathering dust. Rodents are the most common pests that we find in homes in the winter, but other types of insects and animals find their way inside as well.
These are some of the pests that are most commonly found in New Jersey homes in the winter.
- Common house mise
- Roof rats
- Norway rats
- Racoons
- Squirrels
- Opossums
- Skunks
- Ladybugs
- Stink Bugs
- Yellow Jackets
- Beetles
- Spiders
Telltale Signs of Winter Pests
Pests often take up residence in the walls of our homes in the winter, as well as in basements and attics. Mice can squeeze through a dime-sized hole, and rats can fit through quarter-sized holes, so even the tiniest gaps in your home can lead to problems.
Rodents can chew through electrical wires, and many of us have more of these lying around during the holiday season. Another common telltale sign of winter pests is fecal trails. Places where food is stored are common places for these trails. You may also hear strange scurrying or scratching sounds inside or behind your walls, and this typically indicates a rodent problem in winter.
How to Prevent Winter Pests
As you bring your holiday decorations down from the attic or out of the basement, make sure to inspect them for pests before leaving them in the main part of your home. Since many types of winged insects are attracted to bright outdoor lights, consider placing your lights on a motion sensor device to keep more insects away.
A careful inspection of the exterior of your home may reveal holes in your foundation or gaps where rodents and urban wildlife can squeeze through. It’s also a smart idea to trim back bushes and trees from the exterior of your home to deter animals from coming inside.
Bergen County Animal Control
But even with the very best prevention strategies, pests still manage to find their way into homes to stay warm and protected during the winter season. Fortunately, there are effective measures you can take to rid them from your home if they do take up residence.
For all your Bergen County animal control needs, contact Precise Pest Control at (866) 971-2847 or fill out our online form. We have over 25 years of experience with all types of pests in New Jersey, and our #1 goal is to bring safe, prompt, and affordable pest control to you and your family.