With winter fast approaching and summer behind us, we can expect to see a drop in the number of bugs and critters that plague our homes and businesses. However, just because it is winter does not mean that there is no need for pest control and proper pest management.
During the winter, a number of pests continue to operate and can still pose a significant threat to the health and safety of your business. In South Africa, winters are generally less harsh than in other places around the world, which means that many of the pests that plague us during the summer continue to be active during the winter. This year, in particular, is expected to be one of the warmest winters in recent memory, thanks to the El Nino phenomenon that is sweeping the globe.
With this warmer weather, we can expect an increased degree of pest activity. Therefore, we should not be complacent regarding pest control measures and hygienic practices.
Pests Seek Shelter From The Cold During Winter Months
Pests can still pose a problem, even when it gets pretty chilly outside. This is because a number of pests tend to seek shelter indoors, where it is warm. During the winter months, food is scarce, and pests will venture inside to find something to eat. Pests will also seek somewhere to get water, particularly when temperatures drop below freezing at the midpoint of winter in South Africa.
During the winter months, be vigilant and frequently check for signs of pest infestations on your premises. If you see signs such as claw marks, droppings, or food packets that have been torn open, among other things, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Any pest infestations that are in place during the winter months will only escalate and multiply when summer rolls back around later in the year. The key is to remain vigilant and ensure that proper hygiene practices are maintained to minimise the impact.
Types Of Pests That Prevail During The Winter
While a number of pests die off during the winter, such as mosquitoes and flies, numerous other pests continue to thrive. Regardless of how cold it gets, rodents are possibly the biggest threat in this regard. These wily and intelligent creatures will seek shelter inside to escape the cold. Rodents will make nests and venture indoors to seek out food and water. Therefore, frequent inspections for rats should continue to be carried out throughout the winter to ensure that they do not become a problem when spring rolls around, as any surviving rats will start to breed.
Spiders also tend to seek shelter when it’s cold. Many will seek out warmer corners to spin their webs and wait out the cold, catching whatever insects they can along the way. You want to try and control the number of spiders that enter your building in winter because, when spring returns, the spiders will breed, with each spider capable of laying thousands of eggs.
Cockroaches also continue to thrive throughout the winter months, and any signs of a cockroach infestation should be dealt with immediately. Bedbugs also operate all year round. These nasty creatures can cause severe allergic reactions in people and can be very difficult to get rid of once an infestation takes hold.
To get help with pest control, contact Enviro-Safe today to ensure that your property is protected this winter and beyond!
