Why Are Overwintering Pests An Issue In Owensboro?

While many people forget about winter when thinking about pest control, pests in Owensboro are rather common in the colder months, and they can be much worse than just a nuisance. Overwintering pests are those that will get inside homes and businesses to seek shelter and food when the weather gets cold. These pests in Owensboro usually live near homes or businesses where they can find areas to nest and access food and water. Find out more about overwintering pests and effective pest control in this article.

What Types Of Pests Are Considered Overwintering?

Overwintering pests include cockroaches, rodents, stink bugs, spiders, and pest birds like pigeons. Cockroaches and rodents are active throughout the year, and they will live inside of human structures as they are rather skilled at doing so. They are both rather dangerous to have around.

Cockroaches can spread dozens of pathogens, including dysentery, typhoid fever, and gastroenteritis, while rodents can spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus. Rodents can also cause property damage as they chew through everything from wires and drywall to plastic and plumbing.

Then, there are stink bugs and spiders. These species are mostly harmless, but they will shelter inside walls during the winter and emerge in the spring. Most spiders are considered nuisance pests, but some can be quite dangerous, like the brown recluse.

The most notorious and common pest bird is the pigeon. These birds can be found in urban and suburban areas, and many people encourage them by feeding them. While it might not seem like birds are that big of a deal, the truth is that they are responsible for millions of dollars in damages to homes and businesses across the country. A lot of this damage is caused by their droppings which contain uric acid, which is corrosive and can damage siding, mechanical equipment, and more.

Signs You May Have Overwintering Pests In Your Home

There are many signs of overwintering pests you can look out for besides just seeking the actual pests themselves. Some of these pests are less likely to be seen than others, and many, like cockroaches, become more visible after the infestation has already been around for a while. Some of the main signs of overwintering pests include:

• Noticing chew or bite marks around the structure
• Hearing various scuttling or scurrying noises in the walls
• Smelling an odd smell of cilantro that can come from stink bugs
• Finding bird droppings or hearing pigeons on rooflines

Keep in mind that while most people assume that all birds migrate in the winter and all insects go completely dormant, it’s actually not true for all species. Pest birds like starlings and pigeons will use other methods to survive the cold weather.

They will often flock together to keep warm or seek out warmer places to nest. Many species will try to get inside buildings to find shelter from the cold and snow. As far as insects are concerned, many will wander in through cracks in the walls and foundation, and while they do go semi-dormant, they don’t just die off. 

What To Do If You Suspect You Have Overwintering Pests In Your Home

The easiest and most effective way to prevent and remove the various overwintering pests in the area is with professional help from Action Pest Control. We offer a variety of plans, and we will work with you to provide customized services. If you’d like more assistance with preventing overwintering pests in Owensboro, contact the pest control pros at Action Pest Control today. You can also request a quote or book an inspection.