Outdoors in the wintertime, pest activity tends to wane significantly, especially for insects with bodies that can’t withstand low temperatures. But in some cases, pests bring the party indoors—to your home—seeking warmth and shelter from the cold, together with food.
In Kittitas County, some of the most common overwintering pests that homeowners face are ants, crickets, cockroaches, stink bugs, and rodents. These pests will often take up residence in wall voids, attic spaces, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Read on for more about common overwintering pests in Kittitas County, what signs indicate these pests are living in your walls, and why it’s so hard for homeowners to get rid of overwintering pests, which have established residence in a home.
Common Overwintering Pests In Kittitas County
Except for stink bugs, all common overwintering pests in Kittitas County—crickets, cockroaches, stink bugs, and rodents—carry disease-causing pathogens, which can cause sickness for people and pets. Cockroaches and rodents, in particular, are known for being two of the dirtiest pests that homeowners face and carry several diseases and parasites of their own. Because of the hazards they pose, rodents and cockroaches are significant health, safety, and sanitation risk.
Ants and rodents can cause damage to your home and personal possessions. Some ants build tunnels through wood and cause severe damage to wood structures, such as wooden support beams, wooden furniture, and other personal items. Rodents can do extensive damage due to their constant gnawing, nest-building behaviors, and waste.
How To Tell If You Have Overwintering Pests In Your Walls
Even though overwintering pests tend to find hiding places that are, indeed, hidden, there are signs to look out for indicating that you likely have pests inside of your walls. Here are three telltale signs to look for:
- Shuffling Sounds: When pests move around or look for food, you may hear an occasional fluttering from the walls or observe faint tapping sounds.
- Grime Buildup: Overwintering pests may produce dust and grime on the walls or in other home areas. There will also be an increase of debris throughout the home, such as dirt, food crumbs, and hair.
- Insect Sightings: Sure confirmation that you likely have overwintering pests are insect sightings. Aside from the insects themselves, you may also see insect parts and shed skins.
Some pests, such as rodents, leave behind more obvious signs than others.
Why Is It So Hard For Homeowners To Get Rid Of Overwintering Pests?
Because overwintering pests hide in wall voids and other places that are otherwise left undisturbed, homeowners may not notice they have overwintering pests until populations have grown markedly. For example, a female rodent typically produces six litters a year—and a total of 72 offspring! And even though the average lifespan of a cockroach is only one year, the average female cockroach produces anywhere between 200 to 300 offspring in a single year. Despite attempts to eradicate overwintering pests, it’s challenging and unlikely for homeowners to eliminate every pest in an infestation because of their high reproduction rates.
Say Goodbye To Overwintering Pests with Pest Control Services
To best and most reliable way to get rid of an infestation for good, and prevent another from occurring in the future, is with professional pest control services. Prosite offers a comprehensive SiteCare home pest control plan for overwintering pests and household pests affecting homeowners in Kittitas and Yakima Counties.
At the first sign of a problem, call Prosite today at (509) 478-1925.