There are certain Florida pests seeking shelter and safety from the winter weather months. These overwintering pests will often infest our homes and bring with them a host of problems! We break down the most common pests you could be dealing with this winter and how to prevent them.
Roaches
Roaches can adapt to a variety of environments but often seek places where there is human activity to search for food and shelter. These pests can be found anywhere in homes but tend to seek out areas with moisture and food sources, such as bathrooms, crawl spaces, cabinets, basements, and more. Roaches are known to spread disease, picking up germs on their legs and spreading them to the surfaces they touch. They are known to trigger asthma attacks and carry pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella, and more.
To prevent these roaches, consider the following cockroach prevention tips:
- Declutter storage areas by removing old newspapers, utilizing plastic containers, and avoiding piling clothes on the floor.
- Ensure that all faucets and pipes are in good repair, sealing them immediately if there’s a leak.
- Keep your kitchen tidy by cleaning up any leftover food scraps or spills, washing and putting away dishes, and sweeping periodically.
Silverfish
Small and sometimes going unnoticed, silverfish are looking for a dark, secluded area with moisture to survive. These silver-colored pests can often be found in our basements, bathrooms, and even closets! While silverfish are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance, known for destroying items in our house, such as wallpaper or insulation.
To prevent silverfish, consider the following prevention tips:
- Control the humidity and moisture inside your home, especially areas known to be warmer and that retain moisture.
- Store your clothes in a warm environment, such as in plastic containers with tightly sealed lids.
- Consider removing items with adhesives, such as old books, stacks of paper, and cardboard boxes, as silverfish are attracted to the glue these items contain.
Ants
One of the most popular pest species homeowners deal with year-round are ants. These creatures are heavily active in the warmer months of the year, but they will invade homes in the colder months too. When its colder, ants look for a warm place to habitat. While spotting one ant inside a home isn’t a big deal, an infestation of many can make it difficult to eliminate them. These pests are often found inside walls, beneath floors, under appliances, and more!
To prevent ants, consider the following prevention tips:
- Inspect the inside and outside of your home for gaps or holes, sealing them with caulk immediately.
- Utilize a garbage can with tightly sealed lids and take out the trash regularly.
- If you place pet food outside, bring their bowls inside after they eat and keep the food well-sealed in a plastic container.
The best way to prevent an infestation of overwintering pests this season is to stay on top of your preventative measures. If you’ve noticed signs of overwintering pests or want to get ahead of pest prevention, call McCall! Our team of pest control professionals will provide you with a free inspection, identify the pest, and recommend a treatment and prevention plan.
