Winter
Winter in Massachusetts brings about an array of pests. Some of the most active winter pests include mice, rats, and wild animals such as raccoons and squirrels. Mice and rats spread disease, contaminate food, and cause damage to homes due to their constant gnawing. Wild animals can also cause destruction; if not taken care of by certified professionals, they can decimate gardens and devour bird seed.
What Attracts Pests to Your Home in the Winter?
In the winter, your home can become an attractive target for various pests. As the outside temperatures drop, pests seek warm, cozy places to stay, which often means your attic or crawl space. They can be attracted by edible crumbs, pet food, or leaves in gutters providing nests and insulation. Other insects, like ants and cockroaches, look for warm places with humidity, like bathrooms or kitchens, to protect from cold temperatures.
Spring
Springtime in Massachusetts brings warm weather, blooming flowers, and an influx of pesky pests. The typical ant is frequently seen in gardens, searching for food and nesting with their large colonies. Carpenter ants also begin appearing as they search for sources of sustenance to feed their young. Bees and wasps become increasingly active in order to defend against perceived threats and build their homes. Stinkbugs will likely appear due to the warmer air, as well as other numerous flying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks that can be a hazard to outdoor activities.
What Attracts Pests to Your Home in the Spring?
During the spring, warming temperatures and blooming flowers can be a beautiful sign of the start of the season. However, with this lovely weather comes an unwelcome guest: pests. Warmer temperatures can cause bugs to come out from hibernation and begin their search for food and shelter. Many pests are attracted to clutter, crumbs, decaying organic matter, and moisture around your home. Leaky pipes or dripping faucets can create ideal breeding grounds for some species of insects, while other pests may find inviting spaces in gaps between windows or doors. In the spring, it’s important to keep your home clear of debris and perform regular pest control inspections to ensure the critters stay away!
Summer
Come summertime in Massachusetts; pests can be one of the most annoying things to deal with. From ants and wasps to mosquitoes and spiders, these pests come out of hibernation and start wreaking havoc on yards and homes up and down the Commonwealth. Ants are especially active in the warmer weather, as high humidity levels give them easy access to water sources near homes. But Massachusetts residents must also watch out for wasps, which swarm around outdoor lawn furniture or swing sets. Mosquitoes also present a dangerous health hazard during summer months as they carry diseases like West Nile Virus. Spiders have also started appearing earlier in the summer as global warming increases temperatures. Be sure to check for webs under decks or outside furniture before settling in for an evening outdoors!
What Attracts Pests to Your Home in the Summer?
When hot summers hit, pests will seek shelter in your home for more mild temperatures. Pests are also attracted by sources of water or food, such as leftovers, pet food and crumbs on the counter. Other triggers for pest infestations include moisture from rain or sprinklers inside or near your home, plants near windows or doors that act as entry points, clutter that provides hiding places for pests, and defective or missing screens that allow them easier access into your home.
Fall
While most often seen in the spring, some overwintering insects, including ladybugs and box elder bugs, use human dwellings as a refuge during the fall. These critters seek warmth in attics, behind wall boards, or near windows facing south. This can be an unnerving discovery for homeowners, who may not realize these small hitchhikers entered their homes intentionally until they appear indoors as temperatures rise and the days grow longer.
What Attracts Pests to Your Home in the Fall?
Pests such as rodents, insects, and other animals are attracted to warmer climates in your home during fall when the temperatures drop outside. The presence of food and water sources is one of the leading attractions for pests. They love to hide out in piles of leaves and other debris that children may have brought into the home or left piled around the yard over the summer months. Additionally, if your home has cracks or holes that lead into basements or attics, pests will find these areas easy to access and nest.
For all your pest control needs and questions, contact Pestex Inc at (617) 332-3344!
