Infestation Problems in Winter Weather
It’s getting late in the year, it’s wintry out and we’re hiding inside for comfort. But we’re not necessarily the only ones. Bugs and pests are generally more readily associated with the warmer weather of summer and spring, but it’s when it gets cold that so many of the troubles begin. Mice, rats and even some insects have to stay warm and your nice, comfortable, centrally heated office is just the sort of place to find it.
Rodent infestations increase dramatically during the the fall and winter months, and contrary to popular belief they can happen in both towns and the countryside. Rats and mice are drawn to sources of food just as much as warmth and the immense quantities of waste found in urban centers such as London mean there is certainly plenty available for them there. So, a simple method to reduce the probability of infestation is to make sure that your rubbish isn’t left out for days on end or else is placed in a secure rubbish bin. Otherwise, the mice will find it, start mating and you might quickly find a rodent infestation on your hands.
Rodents possess a sense of smell many times as strong as a human’s. Like many mammals, scents and smells are essential to their survival, because they use their urine to mark out territory, objects and paths. One can therefore deter rodents by laying strong odours. Mothballs are a common and effective method, however the strong smell may also be unpleasant for we human beings .As a result it’s a strategy more suitable to out-of-the way places which are liable to infestation, such as attics, cellars and garden sheds as well as caravans and campers which may perhaps end up being left uninhabited throughout the winter months.
Wasps are commonly a summer problem, but the recent hot weather means that some wasps are remaining active a lot longer than is typical. Those nests that remain out in the open are unlikely to survive the first frost, but those inside – hidden away in attics, garden sheds or barns – might make it through into October and early November. The new queen will normally have left the nest after the summer, but those wasps left behind continue to look for food. Like a lot of us, they can get somewhat tipsy as Christmas draws near, as often the only food out there is rotting fruit that has started to ferment. Having said that, many wasps can be at their most dangerous at this time of year; since the hunt for food gets ever more difficult, the insects will become increasingly aggressive. Much like rats and mice you can lower your chances of attracting wasps by not leaving food out for longer than is necessary. If there are just one or two wasps about, a trap could be sufficient to take care of them, however the best tactic is to simply wait for them to fly away.
Winter brings its own challenges when it comes to infestations, but to be informed is to be prepared. You can find a variety of small, preventative steps you can take to ward off pest infestations, but be aware that tackling an established colony directly is a problem that should be left to the professionals. And remember, it might not just be you who’s keeping warm in your home this winter.
Expert, polite and reliable pest control for pest infestations can be supplied by the London-based company Terminex, a fully accredited member of the British Pest Control Association. They provide a range of commercial and domestic services for dealing with unwanted infestations all year long.
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