Due to Seattle’s milder winters, many pests can stay active year-round in the western Washington region. Luckily, there are many things you can do as a homeowner to protect your home from a pest invasion. Most pests during the wintertime search for shelter and warmth as a place to escape the wetter conditions outside. Some pests can find this protection outside, however, many heavily rely on the already-provided warmth and shelter that homes and buildings bring. Below is a list of common pests you may encounter this winter season here in the Seattle area.
Most commonly, rats and mice seek warmth and shelter during the winter and are often found inside homes. Like most pests, rodents spend most of their time searching for food and a cozy place to nest. Rats and mice can sneak into homes through the smallest of cracks and can even enter through roofs and pipes. Your home’s walls oftentimes provide the perfect spot for rodents to remain cozy and hidden with easy access to warmth, shelter, food, and water.
Other common pests during the wintertime in the metro-Seattle area include:
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
- Ants
- Silverfish
- Stink Bugs
While each of these bugs is active year-round, they usually become more noticeable indoors during the colder months. Pests like stink bugs and ants usually congregate in larger groups. If you have seen one or two of these pests around your home, chances are, there are plenty more on their way.
Common things you can do to protect your home from a pest invasion this winter include:
- Sealing all cracks and gaps
- Maintaining a clean household
- Reducing sources of food and water
- Maintain landscaping
- Store landscaping materials away from the home
It is important to remember that a pest’s main attractant is food and water. Because pests need these nutrients to survive, they will not thrive in your home if their food and water source is hard to access. By keeping your kitchen clean and any other areas where food may be stored, you can help prevent pests from accessing your food items. Keep your kitchen floors, countertops, tables, and cupboards clean. It is also essential to regularly sweep and vacuum to ensure your home is pest-free.
It can also be beneficial to maintain your landscaping and to keep landscaping materials such as mulch, wood, or leaf piles away from the home. Bushes and trees commonly come with bugs as many of them nest in the branches or near their bark. By maintaining your landscaping, you can prevent branches from providing easy pathways for pests to access your roof and walls.
By following these preventative measures, you can keep your Seattle home safe from pests this winter season. If you are experiencing a pest infestation, contact your local Insight Pest Solutions for help! Keep your home warm for you this winter, not pests.
