What Snow Means For Pests

Recently, we’ve witnessed the temperatures plummet after having a rather mild and wet winter. Unfortunately, the forecast is set to worsen for many areas of the country, with snow predicted to be on the way imminently. 

Like many of us on these cold dark days, it isn’t just us humans who like to shut out the cold weather and curl up in the warmth; many pests are also looking for a place to shelter indoors. 

Rats And Mice Seeking Warmth And Shelter

The main culprits that may be cosying up in your homes or businesses over the winter period are mice and rats. When the weather worsens and extreme conditions like snow hits, these tiny but clever rodents can penetrate the smallest entry point in search of warmth and a place to nest. 

Due to a lack of natural food at this time of year, they are drawn closer to our homes and are the first to take advantage of a sustainable food source to survive. This being our food. Snow also has an impact on our normal routines, such as the frequency of bin collections, with the buildup of excess rubbish heightening the intrigue even further for these pests.

Unfortunately, rodents tend not to leave on their own accord and have the potential to cause major damage to properties. It isn’t only our leftovers they are ready to tuck into, they also have a tendency to gnaw on wiring, structural supports, you name it, and they’ll most likely have a go at chewing on it. So, it’s crucial to call in Pest Control assistance if you discover signs of a rodent infestation.

Squirrels Causing Damage When Building Nests Indoors

Similarly, another rodent that’s set to cause mischief in the snow are squirrels. Or should we say out of the snow, as like rats and mice, they will also be trying to find their way indoors. This will most likely be in your loft or attic spaces. 

Many people believe that squirrels hibernate; however, this is a myth. This being said, squirrels still like to snuggle up for additional warmth, so they will be busy building their nests inside, which are also known as ‘dreys’. For extra comfort in their nest, they’ll tear up your loft insulation and anything else they see fit, causing mass damage. You’ll often see squirrels collecting seeds and nuts from around bird feeders and then returning to the nest to store them for later. After all that hard work, they will aggressively protect their nest at all costs. This can make the removal process of squirrels a lot trickier than dealing with other pests. 

In the UK, there are specific laws regarding the removal of squirrels, and it is an offence to release them back into the wild. So, it’s important to call in pest control experts rather than dealing with the problem yourself. 

For further information, read our blog on what to do if you discover squirrels in the loft.

Dealing With Flies and Cockroaches During Winter

Although these are a less common winter pest than rodents, they can still be troublesome at this time of year. To escape icy temperatures, flies and cockroaches are also attracted to the warmth of our buildings.

It’s important to deal with these infestations quickly, as once inside, they can rapidly spread and become a health risk due to the diseases they carry.  

Preventative Measures To Take

There are some simple precautions that you can take during the winter months, which can help to keep your homes and businesses pest-free:

• Firstly, perform routine checks around the perimeter of your property. Look for any signs of entry points, such as holes and cracks in brickwork or around doors and windows. If you discover any, seal them up. 
• Then, inspect inside your home, particularly in lofts and garage spaces. Pay close attention to items such as cardboard boxes, where rodents may like to hide. 
• Keep gardens neat and tidy. Cut back foliage where nests may be created and make sure bird feeders are off the ground and the area below is kept clear. 
• Ensure food waste is securely stored in tightly sealed bins, with excess rubbish being placed in tied rubbish bags off the ground and away from your home.

Found A Pest Infestation In Your Building?

With any infestation, it’s important to seek help fast to remove the problem. This can prevent issues from getting out of hand, as problems can rapidly spread and become a health and safety risk. 

If you’ve discovered a pest infestation in your home or business get in touch with our team of professional pest control experts for a free no obligation quote.