Most pests dread the coming of winter, and so they immediately go into hibernation, while some seek warmth and shelter in people’s homes. We’re talking about pests like mice, raccoons, rats, cockroaches, and spiders.

Unless you want them as co-owners or pets, you’ll need your A-game to keep them off your home this winter. Here are some of the pests that come out in winter you should know.

1. Ants

If you see ants, there are probably more, and they will make their way to your kitchen to get a bite of the crumbs. These nasty creatures are colonizers, and they could even inject you from your home if care isn't taken. When winter comes, they creep into your homes through tiny holes and cracks in search of food.

2. Ladybug

Though cute, they can sometimes seek shelter in your homes during the winter. They don’t come to any harm, but the foul smell they leave behind makes them unwelcome. If you have a garden, you’d have to take some necessary measures to keep ladybugs at bay.

3. Ticks

Some specific kinds of ticks are considered winter insects, and they make their way to your home without a need for an invitation. They bite, so keep an eye for them around the house, and make sure your pets didn’t come home with one after a walk.

4. Cockroaches

The most annoying thing about cockroaches is the awful smell they emit. Not to forget their frightening presence, especially when they begin to fly. Since they cannot survive in colder environments, they seek refuge in your home during the winter. 

5. Spider

Spiders are year-round insects, and the least of your favorite visitors during the winter. During this time of the year, they are seeking a warm and dark place to hide, such as your basement and dark corners.

6. Beetles

During winter, they are searching for warmth from the cold, and they are likely to see your home as a suitable domain. You’ll find them near the water heater, or the clothes dryer due to the warmth they provide. Though they cause no harm, they can infest your home.

How to get rid of winter bug infestation

Once these nasty creatures discover a food source and heat, getting rid of them becomes World War III. Although they are numerous insecticides you can spray, they are often not suitable indoors.

To get rid of these pests, you have to get rid of food sources. Not acting fast can lead to an infestation, and that is the last thing you need. To get a better handle, you can let the professionals take care of it for you. Feel free to give us a call or fill the contact form.

When it comes to rodents, there is no shortage of it in New York. We aren’t referring to cute little hamsters or bunnies, rather ones fond of infesting the home and causing all sorts of problems. We are talking about mice, rats, squirrels, Norway rats, roof rats, and even house mice.

Here are some pest rodents you’re most likely to find in New York.

1. Deer Mouse

This creature has a slender body that weighs 10 to 24 grams, with prominent whiskers and a little fur covering them. They are known to invade homes and businesses, causing immense damage. No thanks to their ever-growing incisors, they just would never stop chewing.

They will chew on your woods, insulation, plastic, electrical wires, and even your books. The most annoying, no doubt is their feces and urine which they usually litter around the home.

2. A Roof Rat

The roof rat also has a slender body - a little smaller than the Norway rat, measuring about 13 to 18 inches and weighing up to 9 ounces. They often build their nest in woodpiles and debris and sometimes get into attics and build their nest there.

Once they are in your home, they pose the same risk as other rodents in New York. They will chew through every wooden structure in your home till everything is destroyed. Wherever they go, they litter with feces and urine, spreading diseases and contaminating your food.

3. Squirrel

Squirrels are a common sight in New York, and they are less likely to make their way to your home compared to the house mice and roof rats. But when they do decide to make your home a place of residence, they can make quite a mess.

They will dig up the insulation, littering everywhere with urine and feces which inevitably attract mites, ticks, fleas, worms, or lice. If not taken care of immediately, they could make your home uncomfortable.

4. Norway Rat

This rodent originated in Asia and is commonly smaller compared to the roof rat. They are also referred to as brown rats, wharf rats, and sewer rats. They are quite sticky and can weigh about 1 pound. Unlike roof rats that live in roofs, Norway rats love close association with people.

You’re most likely to find them in cellars, stores, slaughterhouses, sewers, and warehouses. When they populate in your home, it becomes hard to get rid of them without professional help.

5. House Mouse

They are wild animals, but strangely enough, prefer to live exclusively with humans. It is the house mouse that has been domesticated into what is called a pet or fancy mouse. When you notice that your home has been invaded, the best you can do is call the right experts. Feel free to give us a call or perhaps fill our contact form.

If you’ve ever thought about what mice eat, you’re not alone. These creatures are voracious when there is an opportunity to eat. They can eat a bunch of things from your home and will do anything to have it.

To make your home inhabitable to these creatures, you need to understand what they like and eat. Mice typically nest in warm places, often in the attic, kitchen, and around wall cavities. They need uninterrupted access to food and will do anything to have it.

What they eat

Just like you, the mice family have diverse tastes and cravings. They will eat just about anything you leave out in your home, like rice, meats, grains, oats, corn, fruits, cereal, and even seeds. But what about cheese? Most movies depict the mouse as a lover of cheese. But that is not true. Mice prefer foods loaded with carbs.

Their tiny body requires energy fast to aid in movement, hence going for peanut butter instead of cheese. Chances are, the mice in your home will give the cheese a hard pass over other sweet things like chocolate, 

The Damages

The most fearful thing about the mice is their ever-growing teeth that can chew into anything. They aren't shy to munch on anything - your furniture, walls, and a variety of materials. They might also bite through your wires, causing a potential fire hazard.

Once mice get into your home, it becomes a nightmare. You might not know this, but your home is a mouse’s favorite buffet. When a female and male get into your home, rest assured you’ve got a co-house owner.

It is advised to seek a professional assistant immediately if you suspect there are rodents around your home. They can cause immense damage very quickly, and produce pretty quickly too.

Getting rid of mice

Immediately you suspect a mouse problem, the first thing you need to do is keep foods out of reach, coupled with traps. You can bait with peanut butter, as they love it so much, or other sweet things like chocolate.

If you waste time, you risk compounding the problem. Mice reproduce quickly, and a female mouse can deliver up to six babies every three weeks. They probably will throw you out of the house if you waste further time.

You don’t need to deal with this process alone. You’re the best at working with licensed and experienced pest and rodent control professionals. If you think you have a mouse problem, feel free to give us a call, or fill our contact form.