The winter months arrive much later in the south, here in Louisiana it often feels like winter and fall don’t truly start until December. Even then, warm weather still creeps in occasionally compared to the more northern states in the country.
Because of this fluctuating weather, pests that would normally go into hibernation in other states may be much more active in homes in Louisiana.
House Mice
The common house mouse is the most commonly found winter pest in Louisiana, as well as the rest of the United States. These little critters prefer to build their nests in dark, secluded places and will often times take up residence in our walls, attics and basements.
Unfortunately, while they are very tiny, they can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home and can enter through just about any crack (even as small as ¼ of an inch).
Cockroaches
Just like mice, cockroaches tend to be found all over the country and in increased numbers during winter months. The German cockroach is the most common of the species and is known to prefer small areas with a lot of moisture, making our homes a perfect candidate. These tiny roaches can enter our homes through just about any tiny opening, and are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, or near water sources and drains.
Raccoons
Thought not as notorious as their rat and mouse cousins, Raccoons are commonly found in heavily wooded areas of the country and can occasionally be found entering homes through attics and chimneys in search of a place to call home. They’re also known for making meals out of easily accessible trash cans.
Spiders
Spiders, including the well-known brown recluse, are usually seen with more frequency during winter months as they come inside in search of food. Since their prey generally moves inside during winter months, it’s no surprise to find these hunters lurking around in attics and crawl spaces, as well as in our bedrooms.
Silverfish
While silverfish may not be considered your everyday winter pest, they are often more frequently seen during winter months. These small, flat insects make their way into our homes through tiny cracks, and are often found in bedrooms and closets as they feed on paper products and can even enter our homes through storage boxes, books or papers brought in from other locations.
Worried about winter pests? Schedule a Pest Control Consultation today!
