Summer is a time filled with sun, fun, and pests. Insects and spiders are out in full force when the weather's warm. But did you know that some pests can be an issue for your home in the winter, too? We're here to help with healthy winter pest control tips for your Oakton home.  

Winter pests can make your home in Oakton uncomfortable and unhealthy. When the weather changes and pests are looking for places to hide out for the winter, your home is an appealing warm sanctuary. Bugs, spiders, and rodents find their way inside your home through cracks, gaps, and holes. Year-round Oakton, VA pest control is the solution.

In this post, we're looking at winter pest control tips that will keep your family safe and your home comfortable through the season. Read on to find out how to protect your home.

Winter Pests in Oakton, VA

As the summer fades away to fall, so too do the bees, mosquitos, and ants of the warm season. But Virginia is home to other kinds of pests in the winter. 

Mice, Rats, and Squirrels

Rodents can wreak havoc on your home, causing all sorts of destruction and messes. They are nuisance animals, but the worst part is they're dangerous to have around.

Rodents sometimes chew through wires. You may lose electricity or services, but your home could go up in flames, too. 

They're also harmful because of the diseases they carry. They may bite members of the household leading to illness.

Stinkbugs and Cockroaches

These bugs tend to stay outside when it's warm. Once the temperatures drop, they look for somewhere warm to hide. That's when they infiltrate your home. 

Stinkbugs are generally harmless. Cockroaches are not. They also carry diseases, and some people are allergic to them.

Spiders

You could have more spiders inside during the winter because the other bugs come in. Spiders follow the food. Not all spiders are dangerous. But some are. The best way to keep harmful spiders out of your home is to keep all spiders out. 

Prevention is Key

When it comes to Oakton, VA pest control, prevention is the best option. It's better to be proactive than reactive. A good proactive solution to pest problems is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is an approach to pest control that incorporates proactive measures to optimize the conditions in your home for keeping pests out. Then, approved pesticides are integrated when needed to mitigate any issues that come along after. Your home is protected using preventative measures combined with less pesticide.

Healthy Winter Pest Control Tips

There are some tips that will help keep unhealthy pests away during the winter. Here's what we recommend.

  • Keep your home clean.
  • Keep food stored away properly with lids and seals.
  • Don't open doors when nearby lights are on.
  • Seal cracks around windows and doors before it gets cold.
  • Re-caulk where the seals are deteriorating.
  • Cover openings with mesh screens.
  • Keep houseplants trimmed.
  • Include winter in your Pest Control plan.

Health Risks Winter Pests Pose

Winter pests sometimes carry diseases. Both cockroaches and mice may transmit salmonella or hantavirus to the members of the household. 

Salmonella often causes fever along with stomach issues. You may experience severe stomach cramping and diarrhea.

Hantaviruses cause various symptoms. The most common hantavirus in the U.S. causes lung and respiratory issues.

Final Thoughts

We tend to spend more time in our homes during the winter. That means it's more important to keep our homes healthy. You can keep your Oakton home protected from pests that carry disease and cause damage when they come inside. A service like IPM by My Pest Pros is the perfect solution to your unhealthy pest problems all throughout the year. Call My Pest Pros today at 703-665-4455 and you can relax because We’ll Get Rid of What’s Bugging You!