In most places in the US, pest activity is seasonal. When it’s snowing outside, pests tend to become inactive or even die off. However, Florida has a tropical climate that allows pests to stick around all year. Even so, some pests are more common than others during Florida winter. Here are some examples of common winter pests: 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can be found in Florida homes all year round. In the winter, they enter homes seeking warmth and shelter. When they infest your home, they reproduce rapidly, so a small infestation can quickly become a large one. 

You can prevent cockroaches by sealing up cracks below windows and doors and in the foundation and walls. It also helps to eliminate food sources, like crumbs, spills and standing water. 

Rodents

Some of the most notorious winter pests are mice and rats. They also enter people’s homes in search of warm air. Mice also like to nest in the calm, temperature-controlled environment of a house. They eat and gnaw on just about anything, so it’s important for the safety of your food and your home to get an infestation taken care of.

Storing food in airtight containers and sealing entry points will be your best lines of defense against rodents. The more they find to eat, the longer they’ll stick around. 

Ants

While ants aren’t well known as a winter pest, they can be especially problematic as the temperatures begin to cool down. Many ants enter a state called diapause, where they slow down and eat less during the winter. To prepare for this, they eat as much as they can. Then, they may find their way into a nice, warm home where they can be more active in winter.  

Ant prevention is similar to cockroach prevention. Remove food and water sources, and keep things tidy to avoid attracting ants to your home. 

Termites

Termites swarm in the spring, but they don’t stop causing problems after that. Termites spend the whole year building and eating constantly in order to keep the colony alive. Once they enter your home’s foundation, they can cause serious damage. Winter can be the perfect time for termite treatment, as that is when termites are least likely to leave your home and more likely to take the bait. 

If you have a wood-based home, especially an older one, preventing a termite infestation can be tricky. However, a couple of steps you can take include storing firewood away from your home and on an elevated shelf and getting regular termite inspections. 

Tips for Dealing with Winter Pests

Pests can come and go, but during winter, pests generally like to stay inside. This is especially true if they have a consistent source of food and water. If you find yourself with a winter pest infestation, be sure to call a professional pest control company. Get the infestation taken care of quickly so you can enjoy the season in a pest-free home. 

Finding winter pests in your home? Command Pest Control, a veteran-owned company with a 20-year history of exceptional service, is here to help. We offer pest control services in Fort Lauderdale. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.