While fortunately some pests are less active in late fall and winter, others remain active, or may become even more of a problem.  Here are a few of the pest problems we are controlling this time of year.

Problems with rats, mice, ants, silverfish, cockroaches, and bedbugs continue. Pests that eat stored food, such as flour moths, beetles, and weevils, also continue to target food in kitchens, garages, and anywhere else human or pet food is stored.

Pests that moved in during late summer and fall often “wake up” from their semi-hibernation and become active on warm days from now until early spring.  Once reactivated, they spill out into living areas and start crawling or flying about.

As people take wool clothing out of storage, they may notice holes caused by clothes moths and carpet beetles. These pests also damage leather, fur, and any other items of animal origin.

People are bringing in more firewood these days, and they may be bringing in “hitchhiking” pests that are hiding in the crevices and cracks of the wood.  These include spiders, ants, crickets, mice, and many other pests.

Christmas trees also may have pests on them, and these become active when brought into a warm room.  Rinsing the tree with a strong spray of water before it is brought inside will dislodge many of these pests.

Wild animals are also looking for places to stay warmer and drier.  Mice, rats, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and other animals are seeking shelter this time of year.