What Household Pests Are Lurking in Your Home?
As winter settles in, our cozy New York homes become inviting holiday getaways for various household pests seeking warmth and shelter. Understanding the habits and risks associated with common household pests is crucial to safeguarding your living space all season long. Here are five of the most common winter pests and some insights into their behavior, potential risks, and where they could be hiding in your home.
Mice
During the cooler months, mice become unwelcome houseguests, entering homes for warmth and food. These tiny invaders can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, gaining access to basements, attics, and kitchens. Once inside, mice can pose serious health risks by contaminating food and chewing on electrical wires. Mice are commonly found in dark, secluded areas like basements and attics. They may also frequent kitchens and pantries in search of food.
Cave Crickets
Unlike mice, cave crickets don’t pose significant health threats. They are not venomous and do not carry diseases. However, these insects can damage clothing and fabrics, such as curtains, when other food sources are scarce. They often make surprising appearances but are harmless to humans and pets. Inside, cave crickets seek refuge in warm indoor spaces, making basements and crawl spaces ideal hiding spots.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are common winter pests, often picked up during holiday travels. While they’re generally not known to spread diseases to humans or animals, their bites can cause itching and discomfort. Bed bugs are adept at hiding in various nooks and crannies of homes, including cracks, crevices, and furniture near sleeping areas. They may also infest luggage, clothing, and bedding.
Cockroaches
Unable to survive at low temperatures outdoors, cockroaches migrate indoors during winter in search of shelter, water, and food. Once inside, they can trigger asthma and allergies, spread bacteria and diseases, and of course, startle you from time to time, most often in kitchens and bathrooms where it’s warm and humid.
Spiders
Spiders seek warmth indoors during winter, often going unnoticed until their webs appear. While most spiders are not harmful, some species that invade New York homes, such as the wolf spider, can deliver painful (and even venomous) bites. Spiders can be found in various corners of homes, especially in areas with less disturbance.
Knockout Winter Household Pests
If you suspect a pest issue or want to be proactive in protecting your home against potential infestations, schedule a free pest control inspection with Knockout Pest Control. Our experts are well-equipped to handle common household pests, providing customized solutions to ensure your home remains pest-free not only during the winter season but also in the days to come.
