We all know that summer is prime pest season, right? Not only are these summer-loving critters (we’re talking mosquitoes, flies, mice, and rats) outside but they also make their way into our homes through all those open doors and windows. 

When winter rolls around many of us breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye to those buzzing mosquitoes and pesky flies. But, cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean that pests are nowhere to be found. And we may see even more of them as they seek warmth and shelter in the comfort of our homes. 

So what are the most common pests to look out for in winter? When dealing with pest control Andover and the surrounding areas, there are a few common critters that keep cropping up. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at a few winter bugs, pests, and insects that are looking to set up camp in your household.

Five Common Winter Pests

  • Beetles

Come wintertime, many beetle varieties are looking for a snug space to call home for the winter. Throughout Andover, the most common beetles are ladybugs and stink beetles. Most beetles will seek out things like grains and packaged foods, while others feed on plants, wood, or fabric. Typically, beetles enter the house through foundation cracks or gaps around doors and window frames. Beetles are a nuisance because of their ability to damage stored food and property. And they have been known to damage clothes, decor, furniture and various soft packaged foods.

  • Rodents

As the temperatures drop, mice and rats will seek warmth inside your home. They may be extra tempted to nest in a warm-looking garage, shed, attic or basement. Not only are they attracted to the coziness of our home but also the easy-access food supply. When settled in their new warm environment, rats and mice can chew through cables, wood, drywall and more. Plus, these fluffy critters can bring in disease and bacteria with them. Prevention is key here, so be sure to seal up any spots that rodents can sneak through to get into your home ahead of winter. 

  • Spiders

Several spider species are common during fall and winter, especially of the Orb Weaver kind. This is because the females are preparing to build their nests and lay their eggs. For example, the Brown Recluse Spider is quite common throughout the wintertime in Massachusetts. These spiders are known for making their webs and nests in undisturbed spaces such as cardboard boxes, attics, basements, garages, unused jackets and coats, and storage areas. Like most spiders, Brown Recluse Spiders are fairly non-aggressive but when threatened their bites can be toxic. 

  • Bed Bugs

Not only are bed bugs active during the colder months, but they can also actually spread during the winter. If you have gone anywhere for the holidays or had family or friends come and stay, there is a good chance that you or they might bring bed bugs with them. Plus, if you have kids at college they are likely to have brought bed bugs home for the holidays. Bed bugs can attach themselves to people’s clothes and suitcases and eventually make their way into your bed. Not only are bed bugs enough to give you the heebie-jeebies, but they also suck your blood and leave behind itchy red welts all over your skin.

  • Ants

You might think of ants as a summertime nuisance but they can infest your home in winter too! The cold weather often drives ants to look for more food inside your home and, of course, mostly your kitchen. If you don’t nip an ant problem in the bud, they may even try and build their colonies inside your home. While they are tiny and seem harmless, ants can cause significant damage to your house—particularly wooden furniture and structures. Remember that ants are viable food sources for other pests, which means that they will also attract other ant-eating pests into your home.

Pest Control Andover

Struggling with a pest problem in your home or business? Trust Pest Control Unlimited to handle all your pest control Andover needs. We will rid your home of creepy crawlies that are not only annoying but can cause substantial damage to your property and threaten your family’s health. At Pest Control Unlimited, our goal is to provide the best products and services with competitive pricing. We cover all areas of the home and commercial pest maintenance from bed bug spray, mice extermination, tick spray and beyond. We work quickly and efficiently to solve your pest problems fast.

To find out more about how we can rid your home of pests, visit our website or give us a call at (888) 649-9919.