Updated December 2019
Although most people think of summer as peak pest problem season, many Memphis residents don’t realize is cooler weather brings more fall and winter pests.
As the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, insects and rodents look for a warm place to stay. If you’re not careful, these pests may choose your home as their cozy winter habitat.
Rascally Rodents and Unwanted Animals
It’s common for rats, mice, and squirrels to congregate in attics during the winter months. As the heat rises, attics tend to be the warmest location in the house and offer plenty of room to roam or sleep in the insulation — hence the rise in roof rats.
Rodents love having access to lots of materials to chew on. They chew on things constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long. This can be a danger to homes when chewing on wires can cause house fires.
Rodents often bring other problems into your home as well. They are carriers of disease and could make your family sick. Rats and mice carry several diseases which can spread to humans by contact with their urine, feces, or saliva. In addition, rodents can be hosts to other pests such as fleas, lice, and ticks. These pests could cause further issues in your home and may aid in spreading diseases to humans.
While raccoons or opossums aren’t considered rodents, they are definitely pests and may find their way inside your home to live in your attic, basement, or walls. Raccoons are concerning because they can be aggressive and may carry rabies and other diseases.
Intuitive Insects
- Ants: Ants can be a year-round problem but often get worse in the fall when they enter homes in search of food.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches are a year-round problem and are one of the more dangerous pests. They have the potential to spread up to 33 different kinds of bacteria and can trigger asthma and allergic reactions.
- Mosquitos: While you may think mosquitoes will go away once summer is over, they remain a force to be reckoned with well into the fall. They’re known for leaving itchy welts on people and animals.
- Spiders: In the winter, spiders can enter the house on firewood or through holes in ripped screens or gaps in siding. Spiders look for a warm place to winter over and will spin nests indoors to find flying insects.
- Stinkbugs: These odorous pests are more common in the fall. They aren’t dangerous but can be annoying and leave a nasty odor if frightened, disturbed, or squished. Their droppings can also damage fabrics.
Preventing Fall and Winter Pest Invasions
Pest management in a year-round process. To prepare your home to avoid fall and winter pest invasions, consider these pest prevention tips:
- Seal any cracks in the foundation, siding, and around windows.
- Fix or replace screen doors or windows in need of repair.
- Store food in sealed, airtight containers.
- Clean and sanitize the kitchen and bathrooms often.
- Eliminate standing water near your home.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back away from your home.
- Store firewood on an elevated surface away from your home.
Do you need professional help with fall or winter pests in Memphis? Call the experts at Inman-Murphy Termite & Pest Control. We offer professional pest control services for any pest issue you’re facing. Contact us for a free estimate today.
