With the cold weather that’s settled over Kansas City, Kansas, most folks are staying warm indoors with their furnaces and fireplaces blazing. These cozy conditions also appeal to a number of pests that have the power to disrupt your holiday celebrations. Rodents, bed bugs, fleas, ticks and spiders are a few pests to watch for this winter.
Rodent Problems
Rodent activity generally increases in the winter and peaks during cold snaps. Mice and rats will squeeze through any crack that they can find in search of warmth and shelter. They’ll be happy to snack on crumbs and any goodies that are stored in your pantry. The most common warning signs include scurrying sounds above ceilings, gnaw marks around entry points and droppings in attics, basements and cupboards.
Hidden Pests in Holiday Decorations
If you’re bringing Christmas trees, wreaths or greenery indoors, watch out for spiders, mites and insects. While most of these little critters aren’t active in Kansas City, they can hitch a ride on agricultural products that are transported from other states. Leaving these items in a garage or shed overnight before decorating them is a good idea. Spider eggs that are hidden in the evergreen boughs sometimes hatch when they are brought into warm living rooms. Boxes containing decorations and seasonal items can also harbor pests. Cocoons, webs and dead insects are a few signs of pest activity in these items.
Pantry Pests
Spices, flours and dry goods stored in your pantry for holiday treats and winter emergencies can lead to a variety of infestations. Discovering the first meal moth or grain beetle is often the sign of a much larger problem. Look for pinholes in packaging, droppings in food products and bugs roaming around cabinets. Destroying infested items is essential, but it may not prevent problems from recurring.
Bed Bugs
Holiday guests and furry pets can bring unwanted visitors with them. Outdoor dogs and cats often carry fleas and ticks, which can create a host of problems in your home. Out-of-town guests and kids who are coming back to Kansas from college may unknowingly have bed bugs on their clothing and in their luggage. These pests can linger in your home long after your guests have left.
Don’t let pests ruin this special time of year. If you need assistance with household pests, rodent control or snow removal, call Advantage Termite & Pest Control at 888-821-4508. We will be glad to visit your home or business in Kansas City, Overland Park or Topeka to make sure that your property is pest free before and after the holidays.
