Knock-Knock! 8 Pests That Might Be Hibernating In Your Comfy Home
Ice or snow-covered grounds might prevent certain creatures from coming out during winter, but they are still around. Because of the intense cold outdoors, they are forced to look for more comfy accommodations, and their search could lead them to your house. When pests sneak into your home, especially during winter, it could definitely ruin your holidays.
Be watchful of these sneaky critters that could dampen your winter celebrations. By knowing what they are, you’ll be better prepared to stop them from feeling too comfy in your home.
1. Raspberry Crazy Ants
Ants, in general, are annoying creatures that are a nuisance in gardens and in homes. But there are certain species that are more invasive than others, and one example is the raspberry crazy ant. Crazy ants can displace other species and are usually attracted to electrical equipment. They can clog sockets and HVAC systems, and these ants could cause short circuits because they can chew through wires. Some experts believe that the ants are attracted to the heat generated by electrical wiring.
2. Rodents
Mice and rats will be attracted to the inviting warmth of your home once they feel the chilling temperature that winter brings. Rodents can damage cables and wires, and they can also contaminate food items and spread disease-causing microorganisms.
3. Wild Animals
Like rodents, wild animals, like squirrels and raccoons, seek warmer lodgings for the winter. They will be drawn to your home because, to them, it is warm and more comfy than the freezing outdoors. They are as damaging as rodents, and raccoons also bring the threat of rabies.
4. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants can damage structures in the same way that termites do. They chew through wood and they cause structural damage. Signs of carpenter ant presence during winter are often positive indications that there is a nest within a structure.
5. Stinkbugs
Stinkbugs are aptly named as such because they release a very unpleasant odor when frightened. When squished, they also emit a foul smell that attracts even more bugs inside your home. During warmer seasons, they are not a problem because they usually stay outdoors. But when winter comes, the cold forces them to look for a warmer place to hide.
6. Bed Bugs
The presence of bed bugs in homes and business establishments is a re-emerging problem, and this is now a serious pest control issue in many states. Not only do these bugs cause sleepless nights, but the bites of these creatures can cause allergies or infections. If insect bites cause you severe, life-threatening allergies, you should be more vigilant.
7. Termites
The presence of termites in homes is a bad sign. Everyone knows how destructive these tiny beasts are as they chew through everything that has cellulose, including wood, paper and some textiles. They can ruin your house and possessions, and you might not even be aware that you already have a serious infestation at home.
8. Spiders and Scorpions
Spiders and scorpions, which are arachnids, are drawn to your cozy house. Some species of spiders are more dangerous than others as these are more venomous. Examples are the brown recluse and the black widow. As for scorpions, all species are poisonous, but, like the spider, some have more powerful venom, such as the Arizona bark scorpion and the fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus australis). They could sneak indoors through cracks or you could unknowingly bring them in with firewood.