Common reasons for pest infestations during the colder months

Over the next fortnight, millions of Britons will be carving pumpkins and placing them inside and outside their property. But what people don’t know is that there is a significant risk in them unknowingly bringing pests into their homes.

The colder months also come with other issues, pests look to seek shelter and food which makes houses particularly vulnerable to pest infestation.

To ensure you’re aware, Joshua Houston, Pest Infestation Expert at Household Quotes has revealed five of the biggest reasons for pests invading your home during the colder months.

During the colder months, are the holidays of Halloween and Christmas. This will see a large chunk of the population bring pumpkins and Christmas trees into their home. But what they don’t know is that they both could be hosts to unwanted guests. These include; squash bugs, squash vine borers, aphids, snails, slugs and beetles. All of which can increase in numbers before becoming a major pest infestation. Ensure to check your pumpkins and Christmas trees thoroughly before they enter your property, as not doing so could lead to an expensive extermination bill.

Outside pests will be looking for areas that are dry and warm to shelter over autumn and winter. They will take advantage of open doors, pet doors like cat flaps can be particularly common ways for pests like rats and mice to gain access. To avoid this, make sure your front and back doors are shut at all times when they’re out of view. Consider locking your cat flap as well, as this leaves your home vulnerable to any critter looking for somewhere to stay.

Food sources are more limited to pests in the colder months than they are in spring and summer. So any food dropped or left out would be a major attraction to them. It is particularly important that you take good care of your bins. Keep the area tidy, and make sure they’re secure against the harsh weather to come. As a bin blowing over will spread a lot of food waste, attracting pests.

Pests will take advantage of any crack in your home. Areas where this is most common are; the loft, shed and garage. As these tend to be the places where damage is harder to spot, so there’s more time for cracks to build before being exposed. Perform an inspection of your loft, garage and shed if you have them, and fill in any cracks you find. Ensure that you look in the corner of the room, as well as the top and bottom of the walls.

It is important that you live in a hygienic environment, as otherwise, your home will attract pests. House flies and cockroaches can carry nasty bacteria which could be deadly if consumed. So regularly clean your home, wipe down services and clean up any spillages right away. Do a deep cleaning of your bathroom and kitchen areas, as these are the most common places for pest infestations caused by poor sanitation.

‘’Pumpkin carving is extremely popular, it’s a fun activity to do with friends and family. But just be careful that you’re not letting any unwelcome visitors into your home. Be safe by always inspecting the external habitation that you’re planning to bring inside.

There are other causes of pest infestations during the colder months, make sure to take them seriously and be prepared. Pest infestations can cost a lot of money to resolve, so acting now to protect your property is a wise move.’’