Pest Problems in Autumn and Winter Weather

It’s getting later in the year, it’s nippy out and we’re disappearing inside for warmth. And we’re not necessarily the only ones. Bugs and pests are much more readily associated with the warmer weather of summer and spring, but it’s when it gets cold that many of the troubles start. Mice, rats and even some insects will want to stay warm and your nice, cosy, centrally heated office is just the kind of place to find it.

Rodent infestation increase dramatically over the the fall and winter months, and contrary to popular belief they can occur in both towns and the countryside. Rats and mice are attracted to sources of food as much as warmth and the immense quantities of rubbish found in cities such as London mean there is certainly plenty available for them there. So, a simple strategy to limit the likelihood of infestation is to ensure that your waste isn’t left out for too long or otherwise is kept in a safe bin. Otherwise, the mice will find it, start mating and you could very quickly find an infestation on your hands.

Rats and mice possess a sense of smell many times as strong as a human being's. Like many animals, smells are crucial to their survival, since they use their pee to mark out territory, objects and tracks. One can therefore deter rodents by laying down strong odours. Mothballs are a basic and effective method, though the potent scent can end up being unpleasant for we human beings as well.Thus it’s a solution more suitable to out-of-the way places that are prone to infestation, such as attics, cellars and sheds as well as caravans and campers which may very well end up being left uninhabited during the winter months.

Wasps are ordinarily a summer problem, but the recent warm weather means that plenty of wasps are staying active a lot longer than is usual. Those nests which remain outdoors are unlikely to survive the first frost, but those inside - hidden away in attics, garden sheds or barns - may survive into late October and early November. The new queen will generally have left the nest after the summer, but those wasps left behind will continue to look for food. Like most of us, they can get somewhat tipsy as Christmas draws near, as often the only food available is fruit which has fallen from a tree and has begun to ferment. Alas, many wasps are also at their most dangerous at this time of year; since the hunt for food gets a lot more difficult, the insects can become increasingly aggressive. As with rats and mice you can minimise your chances of attracting wasps by not leaving food out for longer than is necessary. If there are only one or two wasps about, a trap might be sufficient to take care of them, but the best method is to simply wait for them to fly away.

Winter brings its own problems in regards to unwanted pests, but to be informed is to be prepared. One can find any number of small, preventative steps you can take to fend off pest infestations, but be aware that tackling an established colony directly is a problem that should be left to the professionals. And remember, it might not just be you who’s keeping warm in your home this winter.