Pest Control Services in Barrie - Winter Pest Guide: with

The 101 on Winter Pests

During the chilly winter months, homes and businesses often become safe havens for mice, rats, cockroaches, ants, and pantry pests. The holiday season also sees an increase in bed bug issues due to travel and in-home entertaining.

Important Point: All of these pests can be an issue year-round, but they tend to become more noticeable or problematic during the winter. Often, winter pests go unnoticed until a serious infestation has occurred. Cockroaches, mice, and rats are particularly active during the winter, posing significant health risks and potential property damage.

Here’s more information about common winter pests:

Mice

Mice are a year-round pest, but they become more noticeable in the fall when they seek new habitats after field harvesting. In winter, mouse infestations are often discovered because they continue to build nests, which may be disturbed by home or business renovations, or because their populations have grown significantly. Mice can cause property damage through foraging, burrowing, chewing, and biting. Their droppings and urine can contaminate food and surfaces, posing serious health threats.

Rats

Rats are highly adaptable nocturnal critters capable of climbing, jumping, swimming, and eating almost anything to survive. By the time you encounter a rat, an infestation is likely already in progress. Rats spread serious diseases and can cause significant property damage with their constant chewing. Learn more about the common species of rats in Ontario: the roof rat and the Norway rat.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests, with over 4,000 known species. In Ontario, the most common winter pest is the German cockroach. These pests can spread over 30 types of bacteria and are linked to respiratory issues in humans. Cockroaches thrive in damp, warm areas with ample food, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and commercial spaces. They often enter buildings through cracks and live inside dirty floor drains.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood and can live up to a year under the right conditions. Attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, they typically infest sleeping areas but can spread throughout the home. Bed bugs are challenging to eliminate and require professional help. Their bites, though irritating, are harmless as they do not spread diseases.

Ants

Ants are active even in winter, with carpenter ants (which can cause structural damage) and pharaoh ants being the most common. Effective ant control requires identifying the specific species, as different ants need different treatments. Photos of the ants, along with a coin for size reference, can help pest control experts identify and treat the infestation.

Pantry Pests

Pantry pests like moths, weevils, and small beetles can infest even the cleanest kitchens. While they don’t bite or sting, they can spoil packaged goods, leading to costly replacements, especially for businesses with large inventories. winter season!