With winter on the way, you may be thinking that your pest control duties for the year have been completed. Unfortunately, between insects that die over winter and come back stronger in the spring—and bugs that are a winter nuisance, there are still things to consider when it comes to pest control. Here are some tips on what to worry about and what to leave behind this winter.
Pests You Don't Need to Worry About During the Winter
Most pests die out over the cold winter without causing any serious problems. Pests are either hibernating or digging further into the ground to wait out the cold weather or will move into the warmth of your home for the winter. The first category won't cause you any problem (unless there's been a serious bug problem such as a tent caterpillar surge) but the second is very problematic.
What to Do About Pests That Survive During the Winter
What can you do about the pests that do move into your home? Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for winter:
- Carefully check any plants you're moving indoors for the winter. Pests can hide in your plants and then become a problem later in the season. Check the soil subsurface, then look carefully where there is damage to the plant or where the leaves attach to the stem for hiding pests.
- Take the time to do a solid inspection of your home's building envelope. Any place that there's a gap for pests to enter should be sealed using caulking, expanding spray foam or weather stripping to prevent invasions.
- If you have a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace, make sure you check your firewood for borer insects. Ash and Elm Borers have become epidemic the past few years. Other bugs may also hitch a ride into your home on your firewood.
- Consider placing a layer of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home. Insects that crawl through the layer will essentially die of dehydration from the cuts they receive during the process.
If you need help dealing with outdoor pests this winter, Breda Pest Management has the experience you need to take care of the problem. Please contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment for your pest control needs.
