Cold weather, especially for us Southern Californians, is not always welcomed. Do you know what else is undoubtedly always unwelcome? PESTS. These creatures enjoy packing up and making the move from the outdoors into your warm, inviting, and cozy home. Knowing which pests are attempting to encroach on your winter cheer can help you prevent their entrance into your home.
Southern California is home to plenty of pests. During the winter months, So Cal can see temperatures as low as 40 degrees. When temperatures dip this low, ants, termites, spiders, roaches, mosquitoes, and rodents will surely attempt to invade your space. And yes, we realize we just named pretty much every pest there is – turns out pests like to stick around all year!
Ants in Southern California
Ants love migrating indoors during the cold season. These are cold-blooded pests that crawl into homes to take refuge from the winter chills. Not only can they be pesky pests, but some ants have been known to bite people and pets around their homes. Signs you have ants in your home include tiny trails of ants walking around on your floors or noticing sticky residue near doorframes and windowsills. Make sure to keep counters and floors clean from crumbs that are sure to attract these unwanted friends.
Termites in Southern California
People don’t think of termites as pests, but they are! Termites cause more than $5 billion dollars in property damage a year, and they don’t hibernate in the winter. During cooler months, termites continue to eat and destroy wood, paper, and fiberboard in your home. Keep an eye out for signs of termites in your home. You may have a termite infestation if you see hollowed-out wood, paper, or fiberboard. You’ll also notice little piles of what looks like sawdust if you have a termite problem.
Spiders in Southern California
Spiders LOVE your home during the winter months. While they may be pests, many spiders will help get rid of other pests in your home. If you don’t want to deal with pests like ants and flies, it’s good to have some spiders around the house! But maybe you’re not so welcoming. Even though spiders have the capability to go dormant for the winter with their antifreeze-like warming system, they prefer to come inside. Spiders’ egg sacs must maintain warmth to reach viability, so your home is the perfect place for a new generation of spiders to emerge.
Roaches in Southern California
Roaches, oh roaches. During the winter months, roaches will seek safe haven in your home. They prefer warmer temperatures, and your home is the perfect escape. Add in a little fresh toilet water and they are happy as…. well…. a roach in your house in the winter. Your home provides all the necessities for a roach to live. Roaches especially seek out insulation where there is no wind chill factor and harsh elements.
Rodents in Southern California
Rodents will also find your home very inviting during the winter months. Rodents can survive outside during the winter months, but they prefer the warmth of your home. Mice, rats, and squirrels can squeeze through just about any hole in your home’s exterior and easily find a place to nest in your attic, walls, or other unseen areas. The danger with rodents lies with the viruses they carry that can transfer to your food. You’ll know you have a rodent problem if you see gnawing marks or rodent droppings around your home.
Conclusion
You’ve created a nice cozy home to enjoy cooler winter months and a break from the hot summer sun. But that means your home is most likely perfect for all these pesky creatures too. Your inviting environment allows pests to thrive during cooler months in Southern California. If you want to rid yourself of these pests or prevent them from finding a home inside yours in the winter, give Preventive Pest a call now! Let us help you get back to enjoying your cozy winter with only the guests you invited to the party!
Need more than just information? We provide pest control services to the entire Southern California region. You can get $120 when you get a quote today. Plans start as low as $39/mo. Inquire below.