Just because winter is here doesn’t mean pests take a break for the season. It’s true that every season is pest season here in Phoenix, so today we will discuss the most common pests that are still active and around your home no matter what the thermostat says. Be on the lookout for these and more, and be sure to call an experienced exterminator in Phoenix if you spot them.
Termites
Many people assume termites sleep through the winter but this is a myth. They are actually just as active in the cold months as they are during the warm ones. The only difference is that homeowners are spending less time outdoors and aren’t as likely to notice termite tubes.
Because the winters here in Phoenix are mild, this is enough for termites to survive with no problem. Truth is, subterranean termites can cause a lot of damage to your home so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of infestation. On the exterior, look for shelter tubes up in the corners of your garage door. On the interior, look for shelter tubes around pipes and protrusions from walls and ceilings. Look for winged termites called swarmers around your windows and around doors.
Spiders
We’re talking specifically about the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Of course, there is the common cellar spider, but they are actually beneficial to you because they prey on other pests that you don’t want in your home. However, the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse are bad news, and you don’t want them in your home!
They are both common in Arizona, and in the winter, these venomous species will set up shop in your garages, attics, and other out-of-the-way places.
Cockroaches
Roaches carry microbial pathogens, including streptococcus, salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. The important thing to remember is that cockroaches are survivors, and any over-the-counter remedies you think will work just won’t. Sprays or bombs will only serve to drive these critters into the wall voids where they will continue to breed and emerge in larger numbers later on.
Mechanical removal and timely treatments by a professional are the only things that will get rid of cockroaches effectively.
Ants
When the weather turns colder, ants seek out warmth inside homes to lay their eggs and wait till the warm weather returns. Many ant species build extensive nests complete with pretty advanced ventilation system where the temperature stays consistent all year long. Look for nests and call an exterminator in Phoenix if you see them. The key is to kill the whole colony with treatments designed to translocate throughout -- without alarming the soldier ants.
Ant colonies are astute and when they sense an attack coming, they will take the queen and move to a new colony, which will only double, then triple, etc. your ant problem.
Rodents
Roof rats are nocturnal so you may hear some pitter pattering in your attic in the middle of the night. They gain entry into your home via unsealed roof vents, unused plumbing pipes, holes along exterior walls, and openings around your garage door. All mice need is a hole the size of a dime to get into your house; rats need a hole the size of a quarter.
Simply Green Pest Control in Chandler serving Phoenix, AZ
If you suspect any of the above in your home this winter, contact us at 480-550-9220 for a free quote on pest control in Phoenix AZ and elsewhere.
