Along with great food and jazz music, Louisiana is also known for its mild winters – but that doesn’t mean that some pests won’t seek out a warm place to hunker down for the winter. Specifically, some of Louisiana’s most common winter pests include:
- House mice: House mice is one of the most common, if not the most common, winter pest that you’ll find in Louisiana. Because they’re smaller than other rodents, house mice may hide undetected in wall voids, attics, or basements for months.
- Raccoons: If your property is heavily wooded or forested, there’s a good chance you may encounter raccoons this winter. While they prefer to feast on outdoor trash cans, they may also burrow down in attics or basements.
- Cockroaches: Not only can they use just about any opening to get inside, but as resourceful as they are, cockroaches can survive in almost any home or building.
- Spiders: Spiders aren’t looking for warmth like many pests are, but they may follow other insects into your Louisiana home.
- Silverfish: Silverfish are less common winter pests, but they do tend to be more active in cold weather and prefer to feed on paper products they find.
Louisiana has quite a few different overwintering pests to watch out for, from rodents to insects that’ll make you cringe. Here’s what you should know about the problems these pests can cause in your home, how to prevent them during the fall and winter, and what to do if you’re currently dealing with an overwintering pest problem.
What Problems Do Winter Pests Cause In Louisiana?
Unfortunately, Louisiana’s most common winter pests are more than just a nuisance. They can cause significant problems, including spreading disease, damaging your property and home, and even posing a threat to you or your family.
House mice, for instance, are linked to dangerous diseases and bacteria like salmonellosis, hantavirus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LMCV), which may spread through their urine and feces.
Raccoons are also known to carry certain infectious diseases and spread other parasites around your home, like fleas and ticks.
Some pests, like silverfish, may not be a health concern, but they can cause a lot of property damage by eating through your favorite books, paper products, or other items.
How To Prevent Winter Pests In Louisiana
Whether the season has just changed to fall or it’s the middle of winter, here are some prevention tips you can use all-year-round:
- Keep your food in airtight, plastic containers and stored properly.
- Make sure your garbage cans are tightly sealed and regularly empty them when they’re full.
- Seal off gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation with a rodent-proof sealant, like steel wool.
- Deal with clutter around your home, which may attract silverfish, spiders, or cockroaches.
- Minimize excess moisture and humidity by addressing drainage issues as soon as you notice them.
- Schedule ongoing visits with a professional pest control company like Havard Pest Control that can provide ongoing care and maintenance.
Call today to learn more about our year-round service plans.
How To Handle Overwintering Pests In Louisiana
If you’re currently dealing with a rodent problem, the most effective treatment solution is a professional one – like contacting the professionals at Havard Pest Control.
So, if your Louisiana home or property is in the midst of a winter pest invasion, there’s no time to waste – at Havard Pest Control for more advice or to schedule an inspection of your property.