Are Bugs Active in the Winter in Kansas City
Is Pest Control Necessary in the Winter?
The answer is Yes. I received a call the other day from a customer who informed me that it is unnecessary to perform pest control during winter in Kansas City. I was confused as our company has been in business for 32 years in Kansas City, and plenty of customers see the benefits of pest control in Kansas City during the Winter. Bugs and rodents are active in the Winter.
Is Pest Control Seasonal?
Most definitely, pest control Is Seasonal. Each season brings new challenges for bugs in and around your home. Pest Control is a process. There are no one-time pest control solutions. Pests wake up and become very active in the spring—the bugs in the summer search for cooler climate zones and moisture for survival. Fall is the time when bugs finish up the final touches to get ready for winter survival. And the Winter is when they seek shelter for warmth and food.
Moreover, rodents become very active around your home or office in the wintertime. Rodents seek shelter and sources of food. Without a focused pest prevention program, rodents will wreak havoc in and around your home, office, or barn and shed.
It may be cold outside, but inside, it feels like a tropical island.
Bugs are very active inside your home during the winter. It may be cold outside, but the inside of our home is comfortable for both humans and insects. Rodents are very cozy inside your home in the wintertime as well. Without proper pest management programs performed on your home or business throughout each season, the threat of increased insect and rodent activity can remain high.
The world outside is a frozen tundra, but it’s always summer here, within your own home. These are why insects, rodents and other bugs are active in the winter inside your home.
Tips to Help Prevent rodents and bugs in the Winter
Winter can be challenging for homeowners as pests seek shelter from the cold. Below are some tips to help you prevent insects and rodents from taking over your home this winter:
- Seal up Entry Points:
- Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay close attention to areas where pipes and wires enter the house. Seal any openings with caulk or Pelgar’s RobanBarrier.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors and weatherstripping around windows to prevent pests from squeezing through.
- Check for gaps around windows and doors, and seal them with weatherstripping
- cover vents and chimneys with screens to prevent pests from entering.
- Eliminate Food Sources:
- Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving food out overnight.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Keep pet food in sealed containers, and don’t leave it out overnight
- Take out the trash regularly and store garbage cans away from the house
- Reduce Moisture:
- Fix any leaks or drips in pipes and faucets
- Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity
- Keep basements and crawl spaces dry
More Tips for Bugs Active in the Winter
- Maintain Cleanliness:
- Regularly vacuum and mop floors to remove food particles and crumbs
- Clean up clutter in basements, attics, and garages, as these areas can provide hiding places for pests
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep it off the ground
- Outdoor Maintenance:
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house to prevent pests from using them as bridges to get inside.
- Rake up leaves and debris around the foundation of your home
- Keep gutters clean to prevent water from accumulating near the house
- Professional Help:
- If you suspect you have a pest infestation, consider contacting a professional pest management company for an inspection and treatment
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of insects and rodents being active in the winter and invading your home this winter and enjoy a pest-free season.
Jeffery Preece BCE, PHE
Jeff is an owner and technical director of ZipZap Termite & Pest Control, which started in Kansas City in 1993. He is a board-certified entomologist and a public health entomologist certificate holder.
