During the summer months, bees, ants and mosquitoes drive many of the calls to pest control companies, including My Pest Pros, serving Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Seasonal changes and colder temperatures bring different types of pest problems in Springfield, Fairfax, Bethesda and DC.

The most frequent pest problems we are seeing in homes, business and restaurants at this time of year is for mice and rats. The cold temperatures outside have sent these mammals inside, where they build nests and scrounge for food. We see them in attics, utility rooms and especially in kitchens behind refrigerators and stoves. These locations provide safety for nesting as well as easy access to food sources. Rodent problems are common – from rural areas around Leesburg in Loudoun County to Washington, D.C. apartments and condos. But it’s easy for rodent problems to spread within condo, apartments, townhomes, restaurants and office buildings thanks to shared walls and utilities.

While cockroaches and bed bugs may be more associated with warmer months, we’re seeing no slowdown of calls from those seeking relief from infestations. These pests can definitely put a damper on holiday celebrations and require immediate remediation to prevent further breeding and eliminate them.

Just like mice and rats, other animals may be eyeing your warm home. Homeowners in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Montgomery counties may find squirrels, raccoons and other large animals trying to take up residence in their attics or other parts of the home they can access. We recommend never trying to capture or handle any of these animals on your own. Call a pest management company or a local wildlife expert to safely trap and remove these pests.

You can help protect your home or office through good winterization, but animals and other pests are clever. They are good at adapting and will constantly find new ways into your home. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help prevent or catch pest problems before they become serious issues. A good integrated pest management plan should be part of this strategy.