Watch for these winter pests at your Edwardsville, IL home or business
Common Winter Pests in the Edwardsville, IL Area
When it comes to the winter season, we look forward to snuggling by the fire, enjoying the holiday season and even some snow days – if you’re lucky enough to be a child still. However, one thing we do not look forward to are the pests who seek to find shelter in our homes when it gets cold outside. Unfortunately, insects and animals like to be warm too, and they’d love to find a winter home inside your walls, basement, or even your kitchen cupboard. Here are the top pests you should look out for this winter, and how to avoid them.
Mice & Rats
These furry little creatures may look cute, but they make plenty of people scream in terror when they infiltrate their homes. Additionally, they have the ability to fit in small spaces and make nests throughout your home including inside your walls and HVAC ducts. To prevent these creatures be sure to clean and never leave any food laying out that could attract them. Furthermore, remove piles of logs, brush, or rubbish from the side of your home that may attract them.
Roaches
A roach may not find its way into your home by itself, however, they do like to hitch rides anyway they can get them. Be sure you know what’s coming into your home and squash any roaches you see before they can lay their eggs. However, if you notice this problem, it may already be too late. Cockroaches can spread bacteria and disease on food and surfaces that they touch. Be sure you have the number of a trusted pest control company to eliminate this threat!
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are more prevalent in the spring and summer months. However, even bugs need a place to take a long winter’s nap and lay eggs for the next season. If you’re facing an infestation of stink bugs, it’s best to call a professional. Squashing them will only emit a nasty smell that lingers around.
Spiders
Count spiders as another creature that likes to take refuge in a warm comfy home for the winter months. More importantly, brown recluse spiders have a dangerous bite that could even be fatal. While these spiders usually hide from humans in dark corners, you may come into contact with one when you’re cleaning out a closet. Protect yourself with pest control treatments.
In the Edwardsville, IL Area, there’s no doubt the Imel is the one to call for all your needs. Don’t live in a home infested by pests – call Imel for the treatments you need!
How to check for bed bugs when traveling to or from Wood River, IL
Here are some tips on checking for bed bugs
The prospect of sleeping in a home that’s infested with bed bugs is enough to freak anybody out. Bed bugs are tiny, barely visible bugs that feed on the blood of a host animal, usually a human. Additionally, bed bugs have the potential to cause sores on the body, and they can even spread disease. Many times, people catch bed bugs in a hotel room and unknowingly transfer them to their homes. However, you can prevent this by thoroughly checking your home and any other beds you stay in for these tiny creatures. Additionally, make sure you get help right away when you notice an infestation. Check these places for bed bugs:
Inspect the Bed
This is obvious, but you must inspect the entire bed for these bugs. They like to hide in the cracks and crevices, ready to jump out and make you a meal when the time is right. You should be checking the mattress, box spring, bed frame, headboard, sheets, pillows and anything else. Bed bug infested beds will have red, rusty looking spots from where the bugs have been feeding or where they have been smashed.
Inspect the other furniture
Bed bugs will travel from up to 20 ft. to feed on a host. Which means that bed bugs could be lurking in the chair in the corner, or even in the nightstand next to the bed. You’re still looking for rusty spots and the presence of the bugs here.
Check doors & window frames
Many times, bed bugs can travel through doors and window frames, through the small cracks that humans can’t see. If you see rusty spots by your doors or window frames, this is a sign that bed bugs are in the room or have been in the room, and you need to have it inspected before you go to sleep.
Check your Body
Unfortunately, one of the best ways to figure out whether or not you have bed bugs is to check your body. You’ll notice marks from where the bugs have been feeding on you. Additionally, if you notice any of these marks, it’s smart to notify a medical professional to figure out how you treat bed bug bites.
Nervous about bed bugs? Call our staff for more information or to schedule service!
What winter pests call O’Fallon, IL their home?
Watch out for these pests this winter!
Finding a pest indoors is a nightmare scenario for some. Furthermore, some people believe that during winter, they’re safe from pests. However, this is not true. Some pests even prefer the winter months indoors because they don’t hibernate like some insect species. Unfortunately, you still may need pest treatments, even when there’s snow on the ground. Take a look at the following pests that could still be active in this area, even after the last leaf falls!
Rodents
Two pests that love to take refuge inside of warm homes are mice and rats. Rodents have long, flexible bodies that can fit underneath doors, in between walls, in your HVAC system and almost anywhere else. Furthermore, they sneak out at night to feed on crumbs and other food they can get to. Fortunately, you can prevent mice and rats by cleaning up after yourself – give them nothing to eat and nowhere to stay!
Roaches
The roach is another insect that you may find seeking a warm, dry area inside of your home. There are many species of roaches, but not all of them like the same conditions. You may find roaches in your pantry, bathroom, around your drains and other places. Call a pest professional if you have an infestation.
Bed Bugs
Considering they live most of their lives on the inside of homes, bed bugs can thrive in winter conditions. Additionally, you may carry them from a hotel to your home without ever even noticing it. Make sure to check your bed and hotel room carefully for bed bugs, and make sure you get any problems taken care of right away!
Spiders
Spiders love to spend the winter in attics and basements where they can get away from the cold, damp conditions. This means be careful when sticking your nose into dark, hidden places where spiders like to hang out. You may get more than you bargained for!
Pest problems? Call Imel for a home that’s pest-free for the holidays!
