Common pests during winter:

When winter weather arrives, some pests go into hibernation while others enter homes in search of warmth and food sources. Common winter pests include mice, rats, raccoons, cockroaches and spiders. So, follow these quick tips to prevent their spread during the winter:

These are the most prominent winter pests:

1- House mouse:

The house mouse is one of the most common rodents, and house mice usually nest in dark, secluded areas such as attics and basements. These rodents can cause serious property damage by vandalizing drywall as well as wiring that can start an electrical fire. House mice are also known to contaminate food and spread diseases, including salmonella and tapeworms.

2- The Norwegian mouse:

Norway rats often nest in basements, piles of debris and more and have been known to gnaw through almost anything – including plastic or lead pipes – to get food or water. Norway rats are also carriers of many diseases.

Quick Tips:

Norwegian mice can enter through an opening as small as 1/2 inch (or the size of a quarter). Check the outside of the house for any gaps or cracks and fill them in with silicone caulk.

Eliminate sources of moisture in crawl spaces and basements.

Regularly check indoors for signs of infestation, including for signs of greasy rubbing caused by the oily fur of mice.

3- German cockroaches:

The German cockroach is the most common type of cockroach, and German cockroaches prefer to live in small areas close to food and moisture, so human homes make the ideal habitat.

This type of cockroach often travels indoors through grocery bags, bins, and used appliances, and is commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. German cockroaches can contaminate food sources and spread bacteria and human pathogens. Moreover, cockroach allergens are known to trigger allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Quick Tips:

Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs.

Vacuum frequently and dispose of trash regularly.

Pay attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks.

4- Solitary brown spiders:

Solitary brown spiders prefer to spin webs in undisturbed places, such as closets, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Like other types of spiders, brown recluse is often found inside cardboard boxes, along window moldings and in rarely used clothes and shoes. These spiders can bite and inject venom if disturbed, making them dangerous to humans.

Quick Tips:

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the house and cut the overhanging ends on the ceiling. This will help reduce the chance of spiders finding their way inside.

Store clothes and shoes inside plastic containers, and pay special attention to shoes, baseball gloves, and gloves that are not used as frequently as other items, as spiders like to hide inside.

If you suspect you have been bitten by a spider, seek urgent medical attention.

5- Mites:

Moths are attracted to wool, fur, and upholstered furniture. Be sure to check your clothes regularly for signs of damage, and wash clothes and store them in closed bags. Therefore, mothballs can be used. Clean and clean the interior of storage areas including wardrobes, cupboards and drawers regularly.

6- Bed bugs:

Bed bugs can come into your home in luggage (so be careful about preventing bed bugs when traveling) on ​​furniture, bedding, boxes, and even clothing. So try to check your luggage, furniture, bedding, etc. carefully before bringing it into your home. Use a mattress cover that encases the mattress and box springs. Vacuum often. Wash and dry bedding over a high heat regularly. Do the same with clothes after traveling.

7- Fleas:

Fleas are an obstacle in your home and also in your pets. The first step in flea prevention is to treat your animals with flea prevention, whether through medication, shampoo, or both.

Tips:

Check carpets, furniture, and pet bedding for signs of fleas.

Wash your pet’s bedding and other items in hot water frequently.

Vacuum regularly and make sure to empty the vacuum every time you use it.

Keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed as this gives the fleas less room to hide.

Fleas can come into your yard on wild animals so don’t leave pet food overnight to tempt them into your yard.

Close entry points to the house or under balconies to prevent them from hiding there as well.