Florida is well-known for a variety of reasons, i.e., warm weather. Every year, thousands of snowbirds flock to the area. Of course, we are not talking about actual birds. Our snowbirds are retirees and vacationers seeking a break from their home states' colder weather. Every year, thousands of temporary residents are anticipated to visit Florida.
Because Florida is such a large state, temperatures tend to stay temperate and even warm during the winter months as you go south. Of fact, cold snaps do occur in places like Jacksonville, where temperatures can drop below 50 degrees.
In a state where temperatures drop below freezing, residents and businesses may encounter pest infestations from pests looking for a warm spot to hide. As this activity is known, overwintering can be a costly and unpleasant experience for homeowners and businesses. Let's take a look at some of the most prevalent overwintering pests that could harm you, your house, or your business.
Cockroach Control
During the winter, cockroaches are typical home intruders for two reasons. Cockroaches, for example, cannot control their body temperatures because they are cold-blooded organisms. When the temperature dips to an uncomfortable level for them, they seek out a warmer habitat. Is it because of the warmer weather? It's your home.
Cockroaches crawling across a kitchen counter or floor?
Hosting Christmas gatherings might also lead to an increase in cockroaches in your home. It's not that these insects enjoy the company and despise being alone; instead, by inviting more people into your home, you're increasing the number of potential food sources for them. Roaches are not picky and will eat everything, even spilled drinks, grease splatters from your cooking, and crumbs on the floor and under the refrigerator.
The dangers of having cockroaches in your house
Cockroaches aren't merely unpleasant because of their appearance. They're also common carriers of sickness and bacteria that are hazardous to humans. Furthermore, having cockroaches in your home can aggravate asthma symptoms in you or your family members. Because roaches breed quickly and hide well, you may not realize you have a problem until it's too late; seeing one cockroach is a good indicator that there are many more.
How Can You Stay Away from Cockroaches This Winter?
Cleaning your kitchen regularly is one of the most effective strategies to keep cockroaches away from your home. Avoid leaving food sources out, and address any moisture issues you may discover. Check for leaks under cabinets and sinks and address them as soon as possible.
Rodents: Mice & Rat
Rodents are continuously on the lookout for food and water, but their demands become even more urgent during the winter. Rodents are the worst since they do not hibernate. They'll wreak havoc in your home or business throughout the season if they get in.
Why Are Rodents a Problem?
Rodents are particularly adept at spreading disease, in addition to causing property damage. They've been identified as parasites and bacterium carriers. Rodents must constantly bite on things to maintain their teeth filed down due to the nature of their teeth (which never stop growing). This includes your home's timber, insulation, and wiring.
What Is the Best Way to Keep Rodents Out?
A pest management program that focuses on exclusion is the best method to keep rodents under control. That includes looking for strategies to keep them out of your house or business. Sealing up gaps, looking for holes near your ceiling or basements, and removing sources of food and moisture, just like invading insects, will go a long way toward preventing rats and mice from residing in your home this winter.
Silverfish Control
Silverfish aren't harmful to your health, but these cold-blooded animals are motivated to seek out a warm, wet location to hide throughout the winter. Because they thrive in moist environments, such as under kitchen sinks and in bathrooms, you'll often discover them there. Because these creepy crawlers are speedy, you'll probably notice them rushing just around sinks and showers.
What Makes Silverfish a Problem?
Silverfish are harmless to humans, although they will eat anything that has carbohydrates. Documents, images, and even the pages of your favorite book are all favorites of theirs! If there's one good thing about silverfish, it's that they can help you find moisture problems in your home. Silverfish may indicate a leak or a possible mold issue in the future, so it's vital to get rid of them as soon as possible and address the underlying cause.
Tick Control
Ticks aren't typically thought of as a winter problem, but that's partly because you prefer to stay inside when it's cold outside. Ticks aren't officially an overwintering pest, but they can get inside your house if you bring indoor plants in for the winter. They'll even catch a ride on your pets in warmer climates, necessitating year-round flea and tick control if you have a pet.
Ticks: What's the Big Deal?
Ticks are known carriers of diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, dangerous illnesses that can put your health at risk. Ticks can produce an allergic reaction to red meat in certain people.
What Can You Do to Keep Ticks Away?
Ticks can be kept at bay by keeping the environment outside your home as unpleasant as possible, in addition to routine pest and tick medication for your dogs. Cut grassy areas regularly, and keep the quantity of foliage around your house to a minimum. Ticks are frequently transported onto people's homes by wildlife, so keeping your yard clean and clear of rubbish and debris can help keep these animals away.
Regular Pest Control Can Assist When in Doubt
Working with a seasoned, skilled pest control firm is one of the most efficient ways to keep your Florida home free of overwintering pests. For decades, Imperial Pest Prevention has assisted our friends and neighbors in protecting their homes and businesses. More than only bug removal is included in our services. We'll discuss how to keep pests from ever turning up on your Florida doorstep in the first place. To get started, schedule an appointment with a Florida pest control specialist right away.