As the cold weather settles in across Central Iowa, it’s hard to think about anything other than warm blankets and hot cocoa. As you cozy up for the winter months, it’s essential to remember the pest control challenges we face during this time of year.
Rodents, insects, and other critters are on the lookout for warmth amidst the winter chill. Unfortunately, our homes make attractive targets. You can minimize pest problems by taking a proactive approach to pest prevention. The experts at Janssen Pest Solutions are here to provide information on Iowa’s winter pests, and teach you how to keep them out of your home this season.
Understanding Winter Pest Behavior in Central Iowa
During the harsh winter months in Central Iowa, survival becomes a top priority for many creatures—including pests. Oftentimes, pests seek shelter inside our homes to escape the harsh conditions outdoors.
Outdoor food sources become increasingly scarce during this time of year, which exacerbates pests’ struggle for survival. As natural food supplies diminish, pests are forced to explore alternative food sources. In turn, this compels pests to venture inside homes to search for sustenance. Crumbs left behind on countertops, spills in the pantry, and unsealed food containers become irresistible temptations for hungry pests scavenging for a meal during the winter months.
Additionally, the instinct to reproduce drives certain pests, such as rodents and cockroaches, to seek indoor shelter during winter. Our homes provide a protected environment where these pests can breed and multiply without the threat of harsh weather conditions. Warmth, shelter, and an available food supply create ideal conditions for pests to establish breeding grounds. These conditions lead to rapid population growth.
Acknowledging Central Iowa’s Common Winter Pests
Rodents, spiders, ants, and cockroaches are among the common Central Iowa culprits seeking solace from the biting cold.
Rodents: Mice, rats, and other rodents are notorious for seeking shelter indoors during colder months. Once inside, they can cause damage to property by gnawing on wires, insulation, and furniture.
Spiders: Spiders are arachnids that often find their way into buildings in search of prey and shelter. They typically inhabit dark, secluded areas such as basements, attics, and closets, where they build webs to trap their prey.
Ants: Ants are social insects that form large colonies both indoors and outdoors. They are attracted to sugary and greasy substances and can quickly become a nuisance in kitchens and pantries.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are resilient insects that thrive in warm, humid environments. They can enter buildings through small cracks and openings, infesting kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where food and water are available.
Protecting Your Home From Central Iowa’s Winter Pests
Now that you understand the behaviors of common winter pests in Central Iowa, it’s time to implement preventative measures to keep them away. Our experts recommend reinforcing your home’s exterior and securing indoor food sources to effectively prepare your home. Keep reading to learn how to implement these preventative measures.
Reinforcing Your Home’s Exterior: How to Seal Exterior Openings
Pests can’t enter your home if there’s no way for them to get inside! Reinforcing your home’s exterior is an extremely effective way to minimize pest infestations in Central Iowa. Follow this step-by-step guide to sealing your home’s exterior.
Gather Your Supplies: Gather the necessary supplies. Our experts recommend using the following items:
- Flashlight
- Caulking gun
- Expanding foam insulation
- Weatherstripping material
- Adhesive backing or nails (for application)
- Window screen patch kit
- Putty knife (optional)
Conduct an Exterior Inspection: Begin by inspecting the exterior of your home. Walk around your home’s perimeter while looking for gaps, cracks, and holes. Pay special attention to these common entry points:
- Pipes
- Utility entrances
- Vents
- Foundation
Seal Small Gaps: When you come across an opening, seal it immediately with your caulking gun. Choose a high-quality silicone or latex caulk that is weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use.
Apply the caulk smoothly and evenly, ensuring that it fills the entire gap and creates a tight seal. Use your putty knife, or a finger, to smooth the caulk and remove any excess product.
Seal Large Gaps: For larger gaps or holes, use expanding foam insulation to create a barrier against pests. Shake the can of foam insulation vigorously and attach the applicator straw. Insert the straw into the gap or hole and slowly dispense the foam insulation until it fills the space completely.
Be careful not to overfill, as the foam will expand as it cures. Allow the foam insulation to cure and expand according to the manufacturer’s instructions before trimming off the excess.
Reinforce Windows and Doors: Inspect the seals around your windows and doors for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn weatherstripping with new material to create a tight seal and prevent pests from entering.
Measure and cut the weatherstripping to fit the dimensions of the window or door frame. Apply it along the edges using adhesive backing or nails, ensuring a snug fit.
Check all window and door screens for tears, holes, or loose edges. Repair any damage using a patch kit or replace the screens entirely.
Securing Indoor Food Sources: How to Store Food for Pest Prevention
As we learned, pests often find their way indoors while searching for food. Storing food properly minimizes the risk of attracting them. Follow this step-by-step guide to properly storing food.
Gather Your Supplies: The first step to food storage is acquiring the necessary supplies. We recommend using the following items:
- Cleaning supplies, such as soap and water
- Airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bins
- Sealing materials, such as lids, plastic wrap, and adhesive tape
Clean Your Pantry: Remove all food items from your pantry. Once it’s empty, thoroughly clean and sanitize it using your preferred supplies. Look for signs of pest activity as you clean, such as:
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Chewed packaging
- Webs
Inspect and Discard Damaged Items: Inspect the contents of your pantry. Check all food items for signs of damage or pest activity.
Discard any items that show signs of infestation or contamination, as well as any items that are past their expiration date or have been improperly stored. Be vigilant! Don’t keep items with damaged or discolored packaging.
Transfer Food to Airtight Containers: After removing any suspicious items, transfer your remaining goods into the containers of your choosing.
Transfer dry goods, grains, cereals, and other staples into airtight jars or bins. Pour these items into the containers and seal them tightly. Choose containers made of glass, plastic, or metal. Containers with screw-on lids, snap-lock seals, and hinged lids ensure the most secure closure. If you’re reusing old containers, consider replacing worn lids with new ones for a reliable seal.
Return Items to Pantry: Store containers off the floor and away from walls to minimize pest accessibility. Consider using shelving units or racks to keep containers organized and elevated.
Arrange your containers neatly. If possible, leave spaces between containers instead of crowding them together. Pests like to travel along surfaces, so creating barriers and gaps disrupts their movement and makes it more difficult for them to access stored goods.
Keeping Pests Out of Your Central Iowa Home
It’s crucial to understand the pest control challenges that come with the cooler season. As the winter chill sets in, our homes become appealing sanctuaries for pests to take refuge. Implementing a proactive approach to pest prevention is key to addressing this problem.
By being aware of Iowa’s winter pests and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering pest problems. We’re always happy to assist Iowa homeowners by providing valuable information and prevention strategies. Now that you’ve gained the necessary knowledge, you can enjoy a pest-free environment during the colder months.
However, if you notice any signs of pest activity inside your home, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experienced pest control experts is here to help you reclaim your space and ensure your peace of mind. Contact us now for a thorough inspection and personalized pest management plan. Simply reach out today, and we’ll handle the rest.