Days are shorter, the weather is colder, and pests are looking for a warm place to spend the winter months. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you don’t need to deal with them. They will do just about anything to survive. The fact that insects are cold-blooded allows their body temperatures to more easily relate to their surroundings. There are pests that can survive freezing temperatures and have developed habits that protect themselves from the cold. Some insulate themselves beneath the frost line, others die and leave eggs or larvae behind to continue their legacy in the spring.
Cockroaches Can Survive Cold Winters
All roaches can live and reproduce the entire winter. German cockroaches are particularly resilient during the winter months and will create nests within walls. Oriental cockroaches have developed strategies to survive in the winter as well. Because they need water to survive, they will just make their way into floor drains, sewers and basements. It’s best to contact professionals when dealing with cockroaches as they can pose health hazards. They can carry pathogens on their legs that they pick up from dirty places and then transfer them to the surfaces in your home.
Carpenter Ants with Wings in House
Many of these pests are brought indoors via infested firewood. The problem with carpenter ants is that they can be extremely destructive. They will make an appearance during the winter months if a nest has been established on your property. These ants are often confused with termites as they will both nest in wood, but ants will not eat wood like termites do. They can also create extensive tunnel systems in wood that can greatly weaken a structure.
Cluster Flies Around Window Frames
Most of the time flies are associated with summer, but with the right conditions, they can become problematic in the winter too. If they get inside, they can hunker down until spring. Cluster flies are a large fly species that plant their larvae in worms. Yuck! They are bigger than house flies and appear to be light yellow due to all the tiny hairs on their bodies. They don’t cause any health risks but are very annoying to deal with. They travel in large numbers which means they will produce a lot of excrement throughout the winter, creating a foul odor.
Stored Food Pantry Pests
Pantry pests damage food through contamination. When infested food is consumed it can create a host of health issues. These pests will look for shelter when temperatures drop and are often found in baking mixes, grains, cornmeal, oats, flour, cereals, spices and pet food. It seems that there are no food items safe from pantry pests. They also enjoy dining on crackers, pasta, sugar, chocolate, dried fruits and meat. Common pantry pests include: Saw-toothed Grain Beetle, Indian Meal Moth, Rice Weevil and the Confused Flour Weevil.
Pest Management Services
If you want to live in a home with zero pests, you need to realize that the battle must be fought all year long. The experts at Stewart Termite & Pest Control are ready to fight the war against any pests. Give us a call today!