Are Termites Active in the Fall & Winter?

Termites can infest Springfield VA homes in the fall and winter. - Ehrlich pest Control, formerly Connor'sPeople often assume that springtime is “termite season”. However, termites are active throughout the entire year here in Virginia. While termites don’t swarm in the fall and winter, they remain active in or under your property. The only thing that changes during this time of year is their routine. Many types of termites will move deeper in the ground through tunnels to escape colder temperatures. However, they can still cause damage to your home and, even worse, grow their colony. For this reason alone, it’s important to know how to look for signs of termites in your home, even in the fall. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Signs of Termite Damage?

Signs of termite damage often appear when you have a more serious infestation in your property. In the fall, winter, and all other seasons, it’s important to look for the following signs of termite damage:

  • Ceiling/wall discoloration
  • Termite frass (feces)
  • Sagging sheetrock
  • Buckling floors
  • Loose tiles
  • Bubbled floors
  • Holes in drywall
  • Crumbling wood
  • Hollow windows and/or doors
  • Shed swarmer wings

Termite Activity in the Autumn

Termites may not be swarming in the fall and winter, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone dormant. The termite queens lay eggs year-round and at a steady rate. This means that termite colonies will not only stay active but continue to grow during the fall and winter. Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to four-year-old colony can cause damage in your property any time of the year. Termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year even though they’re active.

Termite Infestations in the Fall

Because termites are active all year long, you need to be preventing them all year long. The termite exterminators at Ehrlich know how distressing it can be to discover an infestation, which is why we work to prevent them in the first place with preventative services. Reach out to our team today to learn about all of our termite treatment and prevention options!

Winter Rats & Mice Prevention

Winter window in Alexandria or Richmond VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's provides rodent control checklist to prevent infestations. It’s the middle of winter, and you may think you’re safe from pest infestations. Unfortunately, pest problems are a fact of life in Virginia throughout the entire year. In fact, rodent infestations are more common this time of year than any other time of year. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has stated that 21 million homes in the U.S. are invaded by rodents each winter! As temperatures drop, rats and mice will look to make their way indoors for warmth and shelter. To avoid an infestation, it’s crucial to seal your home from rodents! Keep reading for top rats and mice prevention tips from the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Do Rodents Hibernate in the Winter?

While some animals—certain rodents included—hibernate during the colder months, rats and mice stay active throughout the winter. Unfortunately, the winter is the time when most rodent infestations occur as rats and mice enter homes to escape the cold outdoors. Indoors, rodents can cause a lot of destruction with their nesting and gnawing habits. Even worse, their droppings are known to carry bacteria and pathogens that have been linked to dangerous diseases. Because rodent infestations are so common in the winter, it’s essential to protect your home from them.

Rats & Mice Prevention Checklist

Rodent Control Checklist for your Alexandria and Leesburg VA home this winter - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

There are eight spots in particular around your property that are vulnerable to rodent intrusions. By routinely checking the following areas, you can locate where rats and mice may attempt to make their way indoors:

  • Roof: Replace and repair shingles or any other roof damage
  • Vents: Cover all vents securely
  • Screens: Fix or replace any damaged window, door, or porch screens
  • Vegetation: Keep a tidy yard and cut tree limbs back away from your home
  • Gutters: Clean debris from gutters and downspouts
  • Outside: Securely seal trash cans and keep a clean yard
  • Garage: Make sure your garage closes flush to the ground
  • Foundation: Seal any cracks or crevices larger than a dime

A Rodent-Proof Winter Home

If you need help with rodent prevention in your Virginia home this winter, the rodent exterminators at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s can help. We specialize in preventing pest problems before they begin, making us your local leaders in rodent control and removal. To learn more about keeping rats and mice out of your home during the winter and all year-long, contact us today!

How to Pest-Proof Your Home This Winter

A rodent is one of many common winter pests to infest Richmond VA and Ashburn VA homes in the winter months - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sYou may think that pests are only a problem in the spring and summer, but infestations can happen in Virginia winters, too! While many pests and insects indeed die off in the cold weather, there are several that stick around. In fact, many pests look to invade homes to escape dropping temperatures in the winter. To prevent winter pests in your home, keep reading to learn top tips from the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Common Winter Pests

Overwintering pests will enter homes in the colder months to wait out the freezing temperatures. Some of the most common winter insects are ants, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs. These insects typically won’t be seen until the springtime. In addition to these insects, there are a number of other winter pests that may invade your Virginia home this time of year:

  • Rodents: The house mouse and Norway rat will squeeze their way inside in the winter.
  • Spiders: House spiders will hide indoors in dark, secluded corners.
  • Cockroaches: German cockroaches hitchhike indoors in grocery bags and boxes.
  • Bed bugs: Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug infestations are common in the winter

5 Tips to Prevent Winter Pest Problems

Preventing winter pests requires many of the same efforts of preventing pests year-round. Five ways you can prevent winter pests include:

  1. Seal cracks and crevices outside your property to keep pests from making their way inside.
  2. Place screens over vents and chimneys to eliminate entry points inside the property.
  3. Store firewood away from the home and eliminate clutter in your yard to discourage nesting.
  4. Eliminate sources of excess moisture by promptly fixing leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  5. Promptly clean up spills, dispose of garbage regularly, and avoid excess clutter.

Do You Need Winter Pest Control?

To save yourself from the surprise and frustration of a pest infestation during the winter, it’s important to know how to protect your property. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are common pest infestations in the winter, which is why it’s so important to implement winter pest control into your home maintenance routine. If you need help or want to learn more about how to prevent winter pests, give the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s a call today!