As the chill of winter makes its presence felt here in Lubbock TX, none are more aware of the dropping temperatures than the rodents, spiders, and various wildlife seeking shelter. Your cozy home may seem like a perfect retreat for these creatures, but at Bug Out, we’re well-versed in the delicate art of keeping them outdoors โ where they belong.
Why Do Pests Come Into Your Home When It’s Cold Out?
For these pests, your warm home is an oasis amidst the frigid winter outdoors โ a place where they can find comfort and food. Quiet and undisturbed spaces, such as your attic, garage, or basement, are prime targets for these critters.
Pests like rodents bring real concerns, such as diseases like Hantavirus and salmonella. Their gnawing can damage the structure of your property and could even lead to dangerous electrical fires. It’s unsettling to know they’re lurking within your walls.
Winter Pests Types in Lubbock TX
Lubbock TX winters are known to lure a particular group of pests into our homes. We’re all too familiar with the usual suspects: mice, rats, and squirrels (to name a few). But depending on your neighborhood, you might find yourself an involuntary host to spiders, cockroaches, raccoons, possums, and bats as well.
These creatures are surprisingly ingenious when it comes to entering your home. Remarkably, a mouse can contort its body to fit through a gap as tiny as a pencil’s diameter.
How Fast Rodents Reproduce
An encounter with a mouse or rat can quickly evolve into a full-blown infestation, as these pests reproduce at astonishing rates. A pair of rats can turn into a community of over a thousand in just one year! And mice can birth up to 10 litters annually, with their offspring maturing in just four to six weeks.
A small problem can rapidly become a serious one without swift action. But rest assured, at Bug Out, our approach extends beyond simply tackling current infestations โ we specialize in proactive prevention. Our expert pest control team is prepared to guide you through preventive measures to secure your home against the wiles of winter pests.
Signs of a Pest Infestation
Feeling uneasy about the possibility of uninvited guests in your home? Keep an eye out for the telltale signs of pests: droppings, nests, and the distinctive marks they leave when they nibble on various surfaces. Attics and basements are common hideouts, as are the unseen spaces behind your appliances. Listen for the subtle sounds of scratching or scurrying in the walls, the soft patter of little feet, or distinctive odors from sequestered spots.
Rodents can be particularly destructive as they hunt for materials to make their nests, tearing through papers and boxes, and they may even chew through electrical wires and wooden beams, risking serious structural damage. That’s why it’s so crucial to get in touch with Bug Out, your professional pest control allies, when you suspect rodents may be setting up shop on your Lubbock TX property.
How to Protect Your Home Against Indoor & Outdoor Pests
We’ve designed a user-friendly 7-step guide to fortify your home against those common pests, especially when the weather turns chilly.
Pest Prevention for the Indoors
- Kitchen: The go-to spot for rodents, your kitchen is like a buffet for them. Let’s keep it immaculate. Dispose of the trash daily, deal with spills and crumbs swiftly, and store your pantry items in containers that seal tight, leaving no banquet for these critters.
- Attic: It’s the perfect winter retreat for pests looking for a cozy hideaway. Secure your cables, patch up any entry points, and switch to plastic storage to send a clear message: “No vacancy here!”
Pest Prevention for the Outdoors
- Garden: Love your green thumb work? Guess what? So do pests. Use a compost bin with a secure lid and keep the garden tidy, adding “clear space” to your home’s welcome mat.
- Garage: Don’t let your garage become a pest motel. Block those entrance exams, swap out the cardboard for something less inviting (like plastic), and make sure they know this route to your home is closed.
- Bins: An overflowing bin is like an ‘all you can eat’ sign for pests. Fit those lids tight to take your bins off their takeout list.
- Vents: Protect your breathable spaces by ensuring your vent covers are steadfast shields against rodent raiders.
- Gutters and Downpipes: These aren’t just important for water flow โ they’re a buffet if you leave them cluttered. Clean them out to cut off the pests’ pantry.
What to Do When You Find Signs of Pests
The best thing you can do when you figure out that you have a pest infestation is to call in the pros. Bug Out is here to help you every step of the way. Trust our team to provide that peace of mind and proactive defense, so your home stays just that โ yours.
And you can get started today with a free service quote! Just give us a call or fill out our contact form here.
