Winter Bug & Pest Control Guide
Ohio winters bring more than snow and ice; they invite various pests to our doorsteps. This article explores practical strategies and tips to help you proactively manage and prevent these winter pests, ensuring a comfortable and pest-free home this season. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know!
Common Winter Insects You’ll Find in Your Home
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Spiders
While many people may have a fear of spiders, it's beneficial to understand that most species found in Ohio are completely harmless. Being informed can help ease concerns. Here are some common indoor spiders you might encounter in the Buckeye State:
- **Common House Spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum):** These small, brown spiders typically create webs in corners, under furniture, or in basements.
- **Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae family):** Often called "daddy long-legs," these spiders feature long, thin legs and tend to build irregular webs in corners and dark areas. (It's worth noting that "daddy long-legs" can also refer to harvestmen, which are not actual spiders.)
- **Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae family):** Larger and more active, these ground-dwelling spiders do not construct webs but instead hunt their prey. They may enter homes in search of warmth or to follow other insects.
Spiders generally find their way inside through small cracks and openings, often tracking their insect prey. Unlike some pests, spiders do not damage structures or transmit diseases. Their presence, however, can be disconcerting for many homeowners, and in rare cases, certain species’ bites may lead to mild discomfort.
To determine if spiders have made a home in your space, look for the following signs:
- Visible webs in corners, along ceilings, or in other undisturbed areas.
- Egg sacs, which are small, round, silken cases often found attached to webs or hidden away.
- Live spiders, especially in basements, garages, or quiet parts of the house.
To proactively reduce spider intrusions during the winter months, consider controlling other insect populations inside and around your home. By maintaining a clean space and managing potential food sources, you can create a less inviting environment for spiders.
02
Overwintering Insects
**Overwintering Insects**
As the winter approaches, certain insects, referred to as “overwintering pests,” seek refuge in our homes to hibernate. While this behavior is natural, the warmth indoors can sometimes awaken these insects, leading to their appearance on unexpectedly mild winter days.
In the Cleveland region, some common overwintering insects include:
- **Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (Halyomorpha halys)**: These shield-shaped bugs, which have become more prevalent since their introduction in the late 1990s, may emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed. They often gather in groups on warmer surfaces of homes, making them noticeable.
- **Multicolored Asian Ladybeetles (Harmonia axyridis)**: Frequently mistaken for native ladybugs, these insects were originally introduced for pest control but can become a nuisance. They tend to cluster together and may release a yellowish liquid with an unpleasant odor when disturbed.
- **Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata)**: Easily identified by their black bodies adorned with red markings, these bugs are attracted to homes located near boxelder or maple trees.
- **Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis)**: Slightly larger than house flies, cluster flies enter homes in the fall to overwinter. They can emerge in significant numbers on warmer days and often swarm around windows.
These insects typically gain access to homes through small cracks and crevices in the exterior, around windows and doors, or through vents and chimneys. While they do not pose significant health risks, understanding their behavior can help us take proactive steps to minimize their presence in our living spaces. Keeping potential entry points sealed and being mindful of seasonal changes can greatly reduce any inconveniences they may cause.
03
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a persistent year-round concern in Ohio, with their activity peaking in winter as they seek warm, humid environments with access to food and water. The following species, native to our region, are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they establish themselves in a home:
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German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica): These small, light brown roaches are the most common indoor species. They prefer warm, humid areas near food and water sources, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
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American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana): Larger than their German counterparts, these reddish-brown roaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and around drains.
Even more concerning, both species of cockroaches are carriers and spreaders of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. Their droppings can trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children or those with a compromised immune system, making their presence a serious health risk.
Recognizing the signs of a cockroach infestation is crucial, as it empowers homeowners to take proactive measures to prevent their spread:
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Droppings resembling coffee grounds or ground pepper are often found in kitchen cabinets, along baseboards, or in other concealed areas.
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A musty, oily odor in heavily infested areas.
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Egg cases (oothecae) are small, brown, purse-shaped capsules often glued to surfaces in hidden areas.
04
Termites
The eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is Ohio's most common termite species. Contrary to popular belief, termites can be active year-round, especially in heated areas.
In winter, colonies deep underground or in warm parts of your home can continue to feed and reproduce. While signs of new termite activity are rare outside during colder months, existing infestations in your home can still thrive and spread.
Other Common Winter Pests: Rats, Rodents & Raccoons
Rodents
As winter approaches in Ohio, house mice and Norway rats become more active, seeking warm shelter, food, and water—often found in your home. This makes it essential to take immediate action to prevent an invasion.
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Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they carry serious diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis, which can be life-threatening. They can also cause significant damage to your home's wiring, insulation, and structures.
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Look for these signs of a rodent problem:
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- Droppings near food sources or in hidden areas like cupboards and closets.
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or electrical wires.
- Scratching or scurrying noises in walls or under floors at night.
- Greasy rub marks along baseboards or walls from their fur.
- Nests made of shredded paper or fabric in secluded spots.
Racoons
Raccoons can be a significant winter pest for homeowners in Ohio. They seek warmth, shelter, and easy food sources, especially during colder months.
Unlike some mammals, raccoons do not hibernate. They become less active and may stay in their dens for several days to conserve energy.
In urban areas like Cleveland, raccoons often find shelter in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces. If you see any of these signs this winter, you may have raccoons in your home:
1. Loud scratching or thumping noises in the attic, walls, or chimney, especially at night.
2. Damage to roof shingles or areas where raccoons have tried to enter.
3. Large, dark droppings on decks, in gutters, or near entry points.
4. Overturned trash cans or signs of rummaging through pet food.
5. Tracks in snow or mud that look like tiny human handprints.
Dealing with Winter Pests? Call the Experts!
Ohio winters are tough, and pest infestations add unnecessary stress. That's why homeowners trust Pineridge Pest & Critter Control. We provide effective winter pest control and prioritize your peace of mind.
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Keep winter bugs out with our integrated pest management program. Our technicians will visit your home every other month to inspect, treat, and prevent infestations. Rest easy knowing you're protected from common winter pests like:
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- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Termites
- Rodents
- Raccoons
- And more!
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Don’t let pests disrupt your winter. Contact us now for a free estimate and ensure your home stays pest-free.
