Mild Winter Means More Pest Problems in the Spring

Winter seems to have come late this year (or become non-existent). The Northern Virginia region has experienced relatively little snowfall, and temperatures have been consistently warmer than expected. While it is finally beginning to get cold enough to cause insect populations to go dormant, the late onset of winter weather could spell problems for homes in the late winter and early spring.

When winter weather sets late in the year (as it has this year), there is likely to be increased susceptibility to insect invasions, both before and after the onset of the cold period. This is due to homes (even if they may have been properly sealed in late fall) experiencing small amounts of wear in their defenses while insects are still active. This opens up an increased possibility of insects settling into the home for the winter months.

In anticipation of this, Connor’s recommends a mid-winter check-up of your home if you secured it late in the fall, and a more thorough investigation and sealing of your home if you missed the opportunity earlier in the year. This will best insure against a sudden infestation early in the spring.

However, even the best-planned protections against pests in the winter can become undone and need reworking in the spring. Ice dam formation on roofs can prevent snow from melting, resulting in moisture damage to the home’s insulation, drywall, walls and ceilings. These all mean openings for carpenter ants and termites.

In order to protect homes from pests in the spring, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following steps during the winter and early spring:

• Search for missing roof shingles and other structural damage to your home. Damaged or torn roof shingles and torn window screens are both pest entry points into your home.
• Unclog gutters. Gutters which have been clogged with ice or debris create standing water. This can cause structural damage to your home and create a pest entry point. Also, many insects lay their eggs in standing water, meaning you’ll have a lot more pests around your home when the eggs hatch.
• Seal cracks and holes which may allow pests an entry point. This includes pipe entry points and other such breaches in the outer wall of your home.
• Replace weather stripping and repair any loose mortar around your foundation. This helps keep moisture out of your home and discourages infestation.
• Keep the basement dry as well as the attic and crawlspace.
• Vacuum around doors and windows. Doing this frequently can catch many invaders, such as silverfish and spiders, before they have a chance to move further into your home.
• Inspect your home for signs of a mouse infestation. De-clutter your home in order to make it harder for mice to find suitable hiding places.

If you suspect you have a pest infestation, call Connor’s. With over 60 years of experience, you can count on us to ensure that your home stays pest free throughout the year.