It’s not just us humans who are seeking shelter for the winter, pests do too.
Our unusual fall and start to winter means we’re likely in for an action-packed pest-filled winter. The prolonged summer with high temperatures into October has allowed insect and wildlife populations to produce more offspring and grow stronger, setting themselves up nicely for the winter. Keeping your home pest-free this winter could be challenging.
So who are the key culprits that we need to watch out for this winter?
- Rodents
All your classic rodentia like mice, rats, squirrels are guaranteed to be all up in your business this winter. Like us humans during the colder season, rodents are heading indoors for warmth and shelter. Only difference is that these rodents don’t have a cosy sofa and Netflix to look forward to! Ratflix?!
The noises you’ll hear in the walls could be either of the three. Sometimes hard to identify, but you will typically hear them follow the same runways in the walls and ceiling, as they head out on a scavenger hunt. The main hazards of rodents include; damage to your property’s structure, insulation, personal items (if in crawlspace or attic), and chewed through electrical wiring – they love to gnaw on wire casing. And of course, health concerns for humans and pets if you come into contact with rodent feces.
Whether it’s rats, mice, or squirrels, they are guaranteed to be a problem all over Metro Vancouver and the lower mainland this winter.
- Silverfish
The creepiest of creepy crawlies some might say. Did you know that these guys are more than 400 million years old? So you can forget that last wish you made about them disappearing.
These resilience pests are fiends for damp, humid environments like bathrooms and dryer rooms, hiding behind baseboards and close to plumbing fixtures. If your home is built from wood and suffers from moisture issues, you will be more susceptible to silverfish issues.
Silverfish are mostly active at night on the hunt for food, and you may see a trail of yellow stains or scales as they move.
- Raccoons
Similar to rodents, wildlife like Raccoons and Skunks are set to cause trouble as they break into sheds, basements, or find a cozy nesting spot underneath your decking. If they’re hungry, these unforgiving animals will get their paws in and through anything to get a quick meal, leaving pretty substantial damage in their wake.
- Pest Birds
Wouldn’t it be amazing if pigeons and seagulls migrated? Well, keep dreaming… they ain’t going anywhere soon!
Pest birds can be a handful for residents and business owners all year round and even during winter. Typically we work with high rise towers, condos, and industrial sites to install solutions like bird wire, netting, or bird spikes to keep them away.
The issue is more significant for warehouses or manufacturing facilities if birds have created nesting sites. They can cause substantial destruction through products spoils, contamination, and machinery damage.
And if birds have made a royal mess of your property, we have a bird clean-up service to help with that.
- Insects and Spiders
Drain flies, cockroaches, and spiders all are possible critters to encounter this winter. The extended heat we’ve had in BC has driven insects behaviour to change and populations to flourish.
Cleanliness is your best friend here. Vacuuming more often will do wonders for fending them off. That along with reducing moisture in the air. If you have a bathroom fan, leave it on for a few days to help dehumidify the home.
For spiders, the best course of action in defence of spiders is to knock down webs once you see them and lay down glue traps in the hope to catch some.
Like this post?
We have another one about how to pest-proof your home this winter. We invite you to check it out and attempt to apply some of the strategies yourself.
And if you get stuck. Your Vancouver Exterminators are just one call away.
Call, or chat online with an expert for more information