Residents of Iowa and other northern states understand that we must endure harsh winter weather conditions. Many of the insects and other creatures that live in natural, outdoor environments struggle to survive these freezing conditions. As the temperatures begin to cool, many of these creatures will seek refuge inside homes during the coldest months of the year—a process commonly referred to as overwintering.
What are the best home pest control products for homeowners to consider using? Do-it-yourself home pest control options are notoriously ineffective and might contain harsh chemicals. Those seeking outstanding results should contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, a qualified provider of residential pest control in Davenport.
Common Overwintering Pests: How To Identify Common Culprits
What are some of the types of pests that will overwinter inside Davenport homes? Various insect species will enter homes in anticipation of winter, including ladybugs, box elder bugs, stink bugs, and cockroaches.
Rodents are another category of pests that will capitalize on opportunities to enter homes to escape frigid conditions. The two most common examples are house mice and Norway rats.
Overwintering Pest Problems: Health Risks And Property Damage
Ladybugs and stink bugs are primarily nuisance pests that pose very minimal risks to human health. However, ladybugs often excrete a yellowish fluid that will stain materials in your home, and stink bugs can generate a foul, lingering odor.
Cockroaches are known carriers of E. coli, salmonellosis, and other health-related concerns. Rodents pose risks such as leptospirosis, tularemia, and rat-bite fever. When indoors, rodents will often contaminate surfaces, damage clothing, paper products, or insulation as they gather nesting materials, and may pose fire risks when gnawing on electrical wiring.
Preventing Overwintering Pests: Winter-Proofing Your Home
What are some of the most effective methods to prevent pest infestations? Property owners in Davenport seeking to stop unwanted pests from invading their homes should consider the following tips:
- Prevent standing water around the exterior by repairing leaky hoses or spigots and keeping gutters and downspouts free of debris.
- Limiting excess moisture and humidity in basements, crawl spaces, and attics with adequate ventilation and use dehumidifiers when necessary.
- Turn off outdoor lights when not needed, particularly near entry doors, as this lighting often attracts various types of pests.
- Identify any cracks or other possible points of entry around the external foundation and fill them with caulk or sealant.
- Fill any gaps around the frames of exterior doors or windows by installing sweeps and weatherstripping.
As the aforementioned list of prevention methods suggests, those who achieve the best results in keeping undesirable pests out of their homes usually employ a multi-faceted strategy. This comprehensive approach involves limiting the presence of attractants, performing proper home maintenance duties, and implementing exclusionary measures that help to physically impede indoor access.
In some instances, homeowners will still face intrusions from troublesome pests. Here, contacting a local pest control company is the best course of action. The pros provide safe and dependable pest control solutions.
Safeguard Your Home From Winter Invaders: Contact Us Today!
Are you struggling with undesirable pests inside your home? Many property owners who initially notice types of pests in their homes underestimate how rather minor intrusions can escalate and become much more significant infestations. For this reason, homeowners in Davenport are encouraged to respond promptly by consulting with a local pest control company for assistance.
Since 1929, the experts with Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators have delivered results for customers in the Davenport region who are struggling with home pest control problems. We are a truly comprehensive provider that maintains a team of well-trained and properly equipped technicians who know how to solve problems involving a wide array of common household pests.
Residents in the Davenport region who have worsening pest-related concerns should contact the team of seasoned pest management specialists with Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators for solutions.