Rats, Spiders & Bed Bugs OH MY! Don’t let these pests scare you away this Halloween
While creepy crawlers may invade your porch on Halloween night in the form of trick-or-treaters, you certainly do not want the real-life pests invading your home. Fall is prime invasion season for many rodents and insects. As the temperatures drop, insects and rodents seek over-wintering sites that will provide shelter during the coming winter. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your home creepy crawler free:
- Rodents (rats and mice) are primarily nocturnal.Rats can fit through a hole the size of a quarter whereas mice can fit through entry points the size of a dime. Rodents are known for gnawing holes in walls, chewing on boxes and stored items and even electrical wires which often results in fires. They may also contaminate and/or damage stored food products. Sealing gaps, cracks and crevices as well as checking for adequate screening on vents and replacing damaged weather stripping can all decrease rodent activity in your home. On the exterior, eliminate stored items and foliage around the foundation. Monitor interior and exterior of the home for rodent droppings and contact a pest control professional in the event that evidence of activity is found. To prevent destruction from rodents, items and decorations should be stored in airtight totes or containers.
- Spiders commonly enter homes to over-winter and while they are considered beneficial due to their consumption of other insects, they are rarely welcomed guests in most homes. Very few spiders in The United States are considered to be of medical concern (black widows, hobo and brown recluse). Homeowners most commonly encounter spiders in areas that are dark and undisturbed (attics, crawlspaces, garages and basements). Keeping these areas free of clutter that allows spiders to hide undetected. Always check stored boxes prior to bringing items inside the home for holiday decorating.
- Bed Bugs are commonly introduced into the home via visitors, travel and secondhand items. Rental and secondhand costumes should be thoroughly inspected, especially along seams for any evidence of bed bug activity including eggs, cast/shed skins, fecal staining and live activity. Be vigilant about travel and those who stay in your home for the holidays.