Florida weather allows Floridians to enjoy the outdoors all year long, as long as a hurricane or an afternoon thunderstorm is not passing through. As much as the people who live in the state enjoy the weather patterns, they’re not alone. Since pests have no need to hibernate, overwinter or simply die off when winter comes, they’re still active in a season that is essentially pest-free in other places. In this blog, we’ll go over which pests to look out for and how to protect your home from them.
Common Winter Pests in South Florida
Even though winters in Florida don’t get particularly cold, some pests still find their way into homes while seeking warmth. These are some of the most common pests to look out for in your home this winter:
- Racoons
- Oppossums
- Rodents
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Spiders
Why Winter Invites Pests Indoors
You may be wondering why pests that typically don’t mind the outside may wander into your home in the winter. One reason is that, while the weather is not typically dangerously cold, the inconsistency of temperatures can still be uncomfortable. Pests enter your home in search of food, water and shelter. They may enjoy the safety of your crawlspaces, away from predators and weather changes. The food in your kitchen or pantry may be calling to them, as it’s an easier source than they’ll find outside. Pests can enter for any number of reasons. What you need to focus on is preventing them or getting them out if they’re already there.
How to Prevent Winter Pests
The best way to prevent pests any time of year is by keeping your home sealed. Start with closing gaps in walls, doors and windows. Keep food securely stored and garbage sealed. Trim trees and shrubs away from your house, as they make great jumping-off points. Repair leaky indoor and outdoor faucets or pipes. If you have firewood, keep it stored away from your home, ideally on a high shelf. Pests often find their way into our homes by hiding in our clutter and living off our abandoned food and water. Keeping your home clean and tidy can go a long way.
Signs of a Winter Pest Infestation
Wildlife inside your home may seem easy to find, but creatures like raccoons, opossums and rodents are conditioned to be experts at hiding. The first signs of these pests are typically unusual sounds, smells and activity happening around the house. You may find chewed-up cardboard food boxes or feces long before you see the culprit.
Bugs and insects are also experts at hiding, but they have a harder time doing it as they spread. Signs can include tiny feces, unusual odors and seeing one skitter past. By the time you see one pest, whether it’s a mouse or a cockroach, you can feel fairly confident that there are more where they came from.
If winter pests persist despite your best efforts, Command Pest Control can help. Our veteran-owned company has decades of experience in removing all kinds of pests, from wildlife and rodents to crawling insects. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a Fort Lauderdale pest control service.
