Cold weather in Elgin cannot stop pests from invading homes. In fact, many of them search for warmth, shelter, and food indoors. Thus, winter can be as stressful as summer when it comes to pest problems. But those who are aware of the common pests that can attack homes during the colder months can take measures to protect themselves and their property. This can include hiring Point Pest Control whenever they deal with pests they cannot handle on their own. The company has been the go-to provider of pest control services in Elgin due to their focus on elimination and prevention. Its technicians usually deal with the following during winter:
Rodents
Mice and rats look for a way inside homes as fields and outdoor food sources disappear in the cold. They can enter through small cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. Sadly, rodents chew through wires, insulation, and stored food once indoors. They also leave behind droppings that contaminate surfaces and pose health risks. They can expand their colony in no time as they reproduce rapidly.
Spiders
Spider activity can be reduced in winter, but homes provide a cozy refuge for them. They can build webs in basements, attics, and storage areas. Most spiders in Illinois aren’t dangerous, but their presence makes many homeowners uncomfortable. The brown recluse is worth keeping an eye out for since their bites can cause medical issues. Spiders may have settled in for the season if you can spot webs in corners or along windowsills.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches adapt to almost any condition, including cold Midwestern winters. They gravitate toward kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms due to the presence of warmth and moisture. Cockroaches contaminate food, spread bacteria, and trigger allergies. They also reproduce rapidly, making it difficult to eliminate them without professional treatment. They hide during the day, so you might underestimate the size of their population until the infestation has grown severe.
Ants
Many people associate ants with summer, but some species continue to cause problems in winter. Carpenter ants are concerning because they nest in damp or damaged wood inside homes. Over time, they can compromise the structure of walls, floors, or window frames. Snowfall and melting ice in Elgin can create moisture issues, so carpenter ants have many opportunities to move indoors.
Silverfish
Silverfish thrive in dark, humid environments. Thus, they can be found in basements, attics, or bathrooms. During the winter, they take advantage of the steady indoor climate. They don’t pose health risks, but they are destructive to belongings. Silverfish feed on books, wallpaper glue, clothing, and cereal boxes.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs don’t cause structural damage, but they can slip into homes during fall and winter. They hide behind walls or in attics until spring arrives. They release a strong odor that lingers when disturbed.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies use homes as a place to overwinter. They gather in large numbers, often in attics or wall voids. They appear suddenly when temperatures rise. These pests don’t bite or spread disease, but their populations make them a nuisance.
Bed Bugs
The holiday season can make bed bug infestations worse. These pests hitch rides on luggage, clothing, or used furniture. They hide in mattresses, couches, and small cracks near sleeping areas. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but their bites cause itching and restless nights.
Moths
Clothes moths target wool, fur, and other natural fibers. They can damage coats, sweaters, and blankets stored away for the season. Homeowners often notice irregular holes in clothing or web-like casings in closets.
Pantry Pests
During winter, Indian meal moths and flour beetles may show up in stored food products. They infest bags of flour, cereal, pasta, or pet food. They leave behind larvae and webbing. People in Elgin stock up on groceries during colder months, so pantries become an attractive target. These pests can contaminate large amounts of food, forcing homeowners to throw out entire shelves’ worth of supplies.
