Rain rain go away, the pests are coming in to play!

Winter months bring cold weather, rain and less bugs (or so one may think), leading people to believe they do not need pest control this time of year. However, it is a common misconception that bugs die off in the winter. This actually isn’t the case at all. So where do they all go in colder weather? Well, they just move to someplace warmer…your home!

Bugs will enter through cracks and crevices until they find shelter in wall voids, attics, basements and crawl spaces. The pests that do not enter structures will burrow underground or even in trees to survive. Another common misconception is that bugs also hibernate. Truth is, the state they go into is called a “dormant state” -meaning they slow down to conserve energy, a behavior caused by cold weather and lack of food sources.

In addition to bugs trying to find a warmer place to call home, rodents will do the same. This is why recurring treatment and routine inspections are important. Installing door sweeps, weather stripping and sealing up any rodent entry points can help reduce or prevent infestation.

So when winter months hit, it may be wise to reconsider the need for pest control. Without a recurring service you may find that once things warm back up in the spring, high numbers of pests will start popping back up. The invasion of your property could call for an extensive and expensive treatment.
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When it comes to pests, “peace of mind” can be priceless…because pests don’t wear sweaters! 

Trick or Treat? Fall is here and it’s not unusual for rodents to start preparing for winter in places they aren’t wanted, like inside of your home. It’s a common misconception that rats hibernate in the winter, like many other animals do; however, they don’t become less active as many may think. They seek out shelter and warmth through entry points into the home and even if they have a burrow, they can look to create new entry points. This can raise concern for homeowners and the risk of them gnawing through gas and electrical lines, but rats can cause more harm than this. Structural damage, disease and infestations are also important to keep in mind. So instead of playing a rat’s favorite game of “hide and squeak” here are some ways to protect you and your home this winter.

Seal entry points: Sacramento’s rodents can come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common… their bodies are a lot like jell-o. Although they get big in size, they can squeeze their way into some incredibly small spaces! A general rule of thumb is that any hole or gap that is a quarter inch is an entry point for a rodent. So, the first step to protect your home is sealing those entry points.

Eliminate food sources: is key. Keep garbage bins sealed tight and away from the home, keep attics and basements clear year-round, and store food in airtight containers. Rodents also seek out any food that’s left out, including pet food, crumbs and leftovers. Keeping a clean home will eliminate the potential food sources for these furry creatures.

Maintain consistency: In addition to the season changing I think it’s important to mention how COVID-19 has also contributed to Sacramento’s current rodent problem as many homeowners are experiencing a dramatic increase in rodent activity around their homes. Rodents rely heavily on the waste from restaurant and other commercial establishments so the shut-down has forced them to look for food sources elsewhere. There have been many reports of rodents actually acting more “aggressive and unusual” because of this. With this in mind, it is best to be proactive and use these rodent control techniques every day.
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Please contact our office if you need assistance with rodent control around your home or if you have any questions about rodent prevention so that your home doesn’t become the next rodent “squeakeasy.”