As temperatures drop, rodents and insects are looking for warmth, and your home could be their next destination. Local pest control expert Mitch Temple, co-owner of Specter Pest Management, says his business sees a surge in calls during the winter from homeowners dealing with rats, mice, and other pests.
“At this time of year, it’s primarily rodent-focused,†Temple said. “We also see a lot of Asian lady beetles and spiders coming inside to escape the cold.â€
Temple says rodents can cause serious damage to homes by chewing through weather stripping and finding small cavities to enter.
“They don’t need much space,†Temple said. “One of the biggest reasons for house fires in America is because mice and smaller rodents chew on utility wiring under homes where insulation is. That can cause sparks and lead to fires.â€
Temple also pointed out that insects like spiders and carpenter bees can damage fences, decks, and wooden structures.
To keep homes pest-free, Temple advises homeowners to focus on two things: exclusion and protection.
“When we begin service, we look for cavities larger than a quarter of an inch,†he said. “You should also check if your A.C. unit is properly sealed and inspect the rubber lining on the bottom of garage and side doors for openings.â€
Temple cautions homeowners to be wary of unqualified pest control providers. “There are folks who claim to be professionals but are really out to scam you,†he said. He recommends researching reviews and referrals before hiring anyone.
Temple admitted there’s one pest he prefers to avoid. “Snakes are a big one for me,†he said. “We have a service manager who handles those catch-and-release situations.â€
For more information on keeping your home pest-free, Temple suggests sealing any openings immediately and addressing cracks in the home’s exterior before the pests move in.
