subject: Infestation Problems In Winter Weather [print this page] Its getting later in the year, its freezing out in the open and were trying to hide inside for heat. But were not necessarily the only ones. Insects and unwanted pests are much more readily associated with the milder weather of summer and spring, but its when it gets cold that many of the troubles start. Mice, rats and even some insects have got to stay warm and your nice, snug, centrally heated house is just the kind of place to find it.
Rodent infestations increase dramatically over the the fall and winter months, and surprisingly they can occur in both towns and the countryside. Rats and mice are drawn to sources of food as much as warmth and the substantial quantities of waste present in metropolitan areas such as London mean there's plenty available for them there. A simple technique to limit the likelihood of infestation is to make sure that your waste isnt left out for days on end or otherwise is kept in a secure rubbish bin. Otherwise, the rats will find it, start breeding and you could very quickly find a rodent infestation on your hands.
Rats and mice have a sense of smell many times as strong as a human's. Like many animals, scents are essential to their survival, because they use their urine to mark out territory, objects and tracks. One may therefore deter rodents by laying strong scents. Mothballs are a basic and effective method, however the potent smell may also become unpleasant for we human beings as well.Consequently its a strategy more suitable to out-of-the way places which are prone to infestation, such as attics, cellars and sheds or even caravans and campers which may perhaps end up being left uninhabited during the winter.
Wasps are usually a summer problem, but the recent warm weather means quite a few wasps are remaining active significantly later than is normal. Those nests which remain out in the open are unlikely to survive the first frost, but those inside - hidden away in attics, garden sheds or barns - may make it through into late October and early November. The new queen will normally have left the nest after the summer, but those wasps left behind continue to look for food. Like most of us, they can end up getting a little bit tipsy as Christmas draws near, as often the only food out there is fruit which has fallen from a tree and has started to ferment. Sadly, many wasps will also be at their most dangerous at this time of the year; as the hunt for food becomes more difficult, the insects can become ever more aggressive. Much like rats and mice you can minimise your chances of attracting wasps by not leaving food out for longer than is necessary. If there are just one or two wasps about, a trap can be sufficient to deal with them, but the best strategy is to simply wait for them to fly away.
Winter brings its own problems in terms of infestations, but to be informed is to be prepared. You can find any number of small, preventative steps you can take to ward off pest infestations, but be aware that dealing with an established colony directly is a problem that should be left to the professionals. And remember, it might not just be you whos keeping warm in your house this winter.
