Winter might be getting a little too cozy for comfort. While milder temperatures might be a welcome break from the bitter cold (and a win for your heating bill!), there’s a hidden downside: pests are thriving. This year’s warm and wet winter is creating a perfect storm for a surge in pest activity, and it’s going to affect your spring and summer. Let’s uncover how those warmer days are giving pests the upper hand.
Tick and Mosquito Populations: Expect an Early and Intense Season
Ticks and mosquitoes are more than just annoying – they can carry diseases. Normally, these pests go dormant in the winter, entering a state called “diapause” to survive. Think of it like their version of hibernation. They slow down their metabolism, conserving energy until warmer weather returns. But with fewer freezing days, a larger percentage of these pests survive the winter and come out of diapause, the more are ready to bite in the spring.
Warmer winters mean more ticks and mosquitoes surviving, leading to bigger populations earlier in the year. It’s not even impossible to see ticks in the winter. When temperatures are above 40 degrees, ticks can become active, so it’s important to be aware of ticks when going outside with your family or pets.
Tick and Mosquito Prevention Checklist:
- Clear out the clutter: Remove anything that can hold standing water, like old tires, buckets, and even clogged gutters. This eliminates potential mosquito breeding grounds.
- Trim it down: Keep your lawn mowed and avoid walking through tall grass or wooded areas where ticks like to hide.
- Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, especially in temperatures above 50 degrees, carefully check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.
Mice on the Move: Longer Breeding Seasons and Indoor Invasions
It’s not just outdoor pests – warmer winters also give mice a boost. Mice are opportunistic breeders, and when it’s warm, their breeding season gets extended. They also have a better chance of surviving outdoors and may even continue to breed inside the cozy confines of your home.
Why it Matters: More mice mean a higher risk of damage to your home (they love to gnaw!) and potential health concerns from droppings and contamination.
Mouse-Proofing Your Home:
- Regular Inspections: Look for signs of mouse activity, like droppings, gnaw marks, and nests.
- Food Fortress: Keep food (including pet food) in tightly sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
- Seal the Gaps: Mice can squeeze through tiny holes. Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and around pipes.
Moisture Madness: The Perfect Storm for Wood-Destroying Pests
Warmer winter temperatures mean more unfrozen precipitation. This leads to increased moisture that can seep into your home’s structure, creating a haven for pests like termites, carpenter ants, silverfish, and wood-boring beetles. These pests love damp wood.
The Danger Zone: These pests can cause significant structural damage to your home over time, leading to costly repairs.
Moisture Control: Your Defense Strategy
- Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Keep your roof, downspouts, and gutters clear of snow and debris to prevent water buildup.
- Ventilation is Key: Ensure your home has proper ventilation, especially in attics and crawl spaces.
- Foundation Fortification: Seal any cracks or openings in your foundation to prevent moisture (and pests) from getting in.
- Dehumidify: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements to reduce moisture levels.
Expert Solutions for a Changing World
The pest landscape is evolving with our changing climate, and you need a pest control partner who understands these shifts. Modern Pest’s certified experts stay ahead of the curve, using the latest techniques and knowledge to protect your home. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we conduct thorough inspections, identify your specific pest pressures, and tailor a treatment plan that’s right for your home and family.
Get a free quote today! Call us at 800-323-7378