Winter is coming: How to guard your home against Texas rats, roaches and raccoons
Winter may seem like downtime for pesky household critters, but in fact, several stick around during the colder months of the year.
North Texans still have a couple weeks until the first day of winter on Dec. 21. As temperatures continue to dip, here’s which household pests to watch out for this winter:
What are common winter pests in Texas?
There’s a few different kind of pests to watch for this winter, according to Waco-based 855 Bugs.
- Rodents- During wintertime, Texans may encounter rodents such as rats and mice. Rodents seek shelter, food and warmth in households, and could pose health risks for families.
- Insects- Insects such as cockroaches, ants and termites are all active during winter. Most insects are looking for warmer environments, which could be found inside households.
- Arachnids- Spiders can be found hanging around during Texas winters. While most spiders are harmless, species such as brown recluse and black widow spiders are venomous.
- Wildlife- Wildlife such as raccoons, opossums and squirrels could enter households in search of warmth this winter. Wildlife could pose health risks for families and cause possible property damage.
Are there ways to prevent winter pests?
Yes, there’s a few things homeowners can do, according to 855 Bugs.
- Carry out regular home inspections.
- Clean the household regularly.
- Repair damaged structures around the house and property.
- Remove outside clutter from the home.
- Seal any gaps and entry points.
- Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- If there’s signs of severe infestation, seek professional pest services.
Brayden Garcia
Fort Worth Star-Telegram