The Secret To Keeping Overwintering Pests Out Of Your Columbia, SC Home
January 25, 2022
Do you know that there are pests that get into Columbia homes when temperatures cool? We call these overwintering pests. Some will only get inside for the winter. When spring rolls around, these pests go back outside. Examples of this type of pest are the stink bug, boxelder bug, and Asian ladybug. Some overwintering pests are opportunists. They don't need to get inside when temperatures drop because they can survive outside when it's cold. They only go inside because their food source goes inside. Spiders are a good example of a pest that does this. Then, we have pests that get into our homes all year long but are more likely to get in during the cold months when food sources outside are hard to come by. Mice, rats, and squirrels fall into this category. If you would like to keep overwintering pests out of your Columbia home, you'll find some great tips here. Have a read.
How To Keep Bugs Out
It doesn't take a large hole to let an Asian ladybug into your home. If you hope to keep overwintering bugs out, you need to use a multi-pronged strategy that may include some, or all, of the following steps:
- Seal entry points. Use a caulking gun to create a seal around pipes, wire conduits, window and door frames, and other exterior penetrations. Fill in rotted holes and holes created by wood-damaging pests.
- Repair or replace protective materials. Your screens, weatherstripping, door sweeps, and vent covers are your frontline defense.
- Address exterior lights. Light attracts insects. Keep lights off or replace white lights with yellow lights to make them less attractive to insects.
- Don't leave doors open long. Bugs fly right in.
How To Keep Spiders Out
Spiders hang out near your home and take advantage of openings that other pests do. Use these tips to deter spiders.
- Seal entry points. Use the tips given above.
- Remove webs. Some spiders create egg sacs in their webs. Remove webs and destroy egg sacs to potentially stop hundreds of spiderlings from hatching near your home.
- Remove hiding places. Remove yard clutter spiders hide under, particularly next to your exterior walls.
How To Keep Mice And Rats Out
These rodents get into Columbia homes and often stay permanently, depending on the species. It's tough to keep them out because they have strong teeth that can chew through wood timbers. Use these tips to deter rodent pests.
- Seal entry points. Use the tips given above.
- Keep them off your roof. Trim tree branches near your roofline and put wire mesh in the downspouts of your gutter system.
- Remove hiding places. Remove clutter and keep your landscaping trimmed.
- Address food sources. Remove bird feeders or move them far from your exterior. Keep garbage in covered containers.
How To Keep Squirrels Out
Squirrels do fine in nature. They're not as attracted to man-made structures as mice and rats, but it is a good idea to take these steps to keep them out.
- Keep them off your roof. Trim tree branches away from your roofline.
- Keep nuts cleaned up.
- Don't feed the squirrels. It is never a good idea to put peanuts out for squirrels, no matter how much fun they are to watch.
Where Pest Control Fits In
A quality pest control program addresses all of these pests all year long. Routine treatments and pest maintenance reduce insect populations. Spider web removal reduces spider populations. Exclusions address mice, rats, and squirrels. If you don't want to do all the hard work of keeping overwintering pests out of your home, pest control is a great option. If you live in Columbia, we know of a high-quality pest control program in your area. Reach out to us here at Go-Forth Pest Control. Our service team can guide you in finding the perfect plan for your specific needs and budget.
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