Most people in Denver start thinking about snow tires, hot chocolate, and staying warm indoors as the temperature drops. Sadly, pests are also planning their winter move inside. People associate bugs and critters with the warmer months but some of them are gearing up to spend the winter alongside humans. This is known as overwintering and Denver residents should pay attention to it.
Overwintering refers to how pests survive the cold months. Some insects die off in winter but others have clever ways of getting through the cold. They might slow down their activity, go into a type of hibernation, or find a warm, protected place to hide. Unfortunately, your home is high on their list.
Cracks in the foundation, attic spaces, and wall voids are like five-star winter resorts for pests. These spots are warm, safe from predators, and may have easy access to food and water. Many pests will not leave until spring once they settle in. Some of them may even multiply while they are there. Visit saelapest.com to learn more about pest activity in winter and how homeowners should deal with it.
Common Overwintering Pests in Denver
The list of pests that try to overwinter in Denver is longer than you might think. Here are some of the usual suspects:
- Boxelder bugs. These black-and-red bugs may not damage your home but they can show up in large numbers and become a major nuisance.
- Stink bugs. These are known for their smell when squished. Stink bugs crawl into cracks and crevices to wait out the winter.
- Spiders. Most spiders are harmless but they love quiet, dark corners and will gladly make themselves at home during the colder months.
- Rodents. Mice and rats do bit hibernate. Instead, they move indoors where food is easier to find and the air is warmer.
- Cockroaches. These tough pests are more active in warmer temperatures. However, they often retreat into basements and kitchens when winter hits.
- Ants. Some species will nest inside walls or under floors and wait for warmer weather.
These pests may not always be visible but they may still be around. Overwintering pests can create ongoing problems even after the snow melts if left unchecked.
Why It Is a Problem
A few bugs or a mouse might not seem like a big deal. But overwintering pests often bring more than just an annoyance. Here’s what makes these pests a more serious issue than you might expect:
- They don’t stay hidden forever. Some pests wake up and start wandering around your home.
- They can cause damage. Rodents chew wires, insulation, and wood. Certain bugs can weaken structures.
- They spread germs. Mice, rats, and cockroaches carry bacteria and can contaminate food and counters.
- They multiply. Pests can start reproducing when get comfortable. This means you could be looking at a bigger infestation by spring.
How Pests Get Inside
Overwintering pests sneak in through small entry points. Pests can get inside through gaps around doors and windows and cracks in foundations, vents and chimneys. Also, openings where pipes or cables enter the house and unsealed attic or crawl space vents can allow pests to establish themselves inside your house.
Some pests can flatten their bodies and squeeze into tiny spaces. Mice can fit through holes the size of a dime. This makes it important to seal up your home.
What Can Homeowners Do About It?
You can make your home much less appealing to these cold-weather squatters with some preparation and a little maintenance. The following are some steps you can take to keep your home free from overwintering pests:
- Seal entry points. Use caulk or weather stripping around windows, doors, and any visible cracks to prevent pests from entering.
- Check your roofline and vents. Make sure soffits, chimneys, and attic vents are screened and sealed.
- Clear clutter. Piles of boxes or stacked firewood can be perfect hiding spots. Keep things tidy inside and out.
- Store food securely. Keep pantry items in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills quickly.
- Use dehumidifiers. Pests love damp areas, so reducing humidity in basements or crawl spaces makes them less inviting.
- Schedule a pest inspection. A professional can spot signs of activity and help treat any current issues before they get worse.
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