Happy Thanksgiving!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
We would like to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Morgan Termite & Pest Control! We hope you have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!
-Morgan Termite & Pest Control
How Seasons Affect Insect Problems
Do you know where insects go during the winter to keep warm? You may also be wondering why you get more ants in your home in the winter? Well the weather affects insects differently all year round.
Temperature and moisture are the biggest factors that affect insects. Most insects do hide away during the winter, however if the temperature goes back and forth between freezing and thawing then this could result in the insects coming out earlier.
Ants and insects will come into your home at any season, but at certain times the activity could increase.
Winter
Winter months is a time of hibernation and survival for pests. The pests don’t like the cold weather and have a hard time surviving if it gets too cold. The cold weather forces pests to find their own shelters and homes. Some pests will look for shelter outdoors, while others will look for shelter indoors. To keep pests out of your home during the winter you need to prepare during the fall.
Spring
With the weather warming, pests are starting to come out of their warm shelters. The spring rain will flood the ants homes and force them to look for new ground higher up. Spring is the time that most insects are awakening and mating. Spring is also the beginning of swarming season for termites. A lot of pests will start to move outdoors during the spring in search of mates.
Summer
During the summer while you are having your backyard parties with everyone, the pests are looking to join in on the fun. However, that is probably not your idea of fun. During the summer months the insects are out more because of the hotter weather. Bees, wasps, and other stinging insects are more active during the summer because of the moisture from the spring months.
Fall
Fall is a time of preparation for a lot of pests to get ready for the cold winter months coming up. There are a couple common fall bugs that are looking to invade your home during the fall months. Some of these fall bugs include ladybugs, box elders, and spiders. During fall months it is the best time to prepare your home from all the pests looking to come inside for the winter months.
Rainy Weather
The more it rains during the spring and summer, the more ants you will find in your home. When it rains a lot, the rain will flood the ants homes and then they will come looking for a dry place to live, like your home. Most of the time they will come in an army of ants to find a new home.
Dry Weather
If there is a drought or a long dry period the ants will also come into your home. Most of the time however they aren’t looking for a place to live. The dry weather messes up their food supply and they are in need of finding a new source of food. They might even move their homes closer to yours so that they have faster and easier access to your food. However, you probably won’t see as many ants as you would during rainy weather.
Getting Ready
Don’t chance the fact that during the winter pests won’t come into your homes. Ongoing yearly pest control services will keep them out. Keep your food stored in airtight containers and keep your kitchen clean of all crumbs, even the ones you can’t see. Call Morgan Pest Control to start pest control service at your home. (702)467-8224
Stink Bugs, Fall Leaves, Pumpkins: Signs of Fall
Where do you usually spend most of your time during the spring or summer, indoors or outdoors? Most people spend the warmer weather outdoors. Which means that they want the outside of their homes looking there best. Whereas, during the fall and winter you want the inside of your home looking nice because you are usually indoors to keep warm.
The weather is getting colder and the landscaping at your home is not as critical as in those other months. The tree branches are becoming bare and the bushes are dying off. However, if you do ignore the outside of your home then you could end up inviting a lot of different pests into your home who are also looking to stay warm for the winter.
Fall Bugs & Pests
Just like seasons change, pests only come out for certain seasons. Overwintering pests will start looking for ways into your home to keep warm in the cooler temperatures. While “summer” pests, stay around until they can find a warmer place to go.
Rodents
Most rodents will be looking for a dark place that is undeserved to hide out in for the winter. Some of these places include: walls, closets, pantries, attics, etc. are inviting. If you can see droppings or gnawing marks in any of these places these are signs of problems. Your #1 priority this fall should be making sure that your rodent control and exclusion are under control. Fall bugs aren’t the only pests looking for a warm place to live.
Occasional Fall Bugs
- Stink Bugs – Stink bugs can mostly be found in the walls. Stink bugs will start making their way inside as we get farther into the fall season. They are wanting a nice cozy and warm place to live for the next 4-6 months. Once they get into your home it is impossible to get rid of every single one, so make sure to check for entering points on your home.
- Lady Beetles (aka Ladybugs)
- Box Elders
Fall Maintenance Tips
The following are some quick and easy tips on how to make sure your landscaping is well maintained and pest-free for the fall and winter months that are ahead.
Firewood
Some pests like to hide out in the woodpiles and the damp ground that is beneath the wood. Keep firewood stacked on an elevated surface and as far away from the home as possible.
Decorations
Everyone loves to decorate their homes for the fall season. From Halloween decorations to Thanksgiving decorations this is the time to get your home ready for the holidays. Unfortunately, some of the decorations that you put out could be attracting pests to your home and giving them access points to the inside of your home.
Which Decorations Bring in the Pests?
While bringing out all of your decorations, it is best if you check them to make sure that there aren’t any pests that were already living on them or in their boxes. Take everything outside to dust off and make sure you aren’t bringing the pests inside your home.
Decorations pests may be hiding out in include:
- Straw Piles
- Firewood
- Scarecrows
- Spider webs
- Pumpkins
- Gourds
Enjoy your holidays pest free by trying to put the least amount of these decorations up in or at your home. Watch for signs of problems that could be in your home so that you can take the proper steps to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
