It may seem that pest control isn’t necessary in winter months, but this is the time of year that several types of pests look for shelter, food and water indoors. Winter is also the time to check your lawn for pests and weeds, and apply pre-emergent weed control so that your yard will be in good shape for spring and summer. Here’s a look at why pest control and lawn service make good sense in winter.
Here are just some of the pests that can become unwanted winter guests in your home:
There are more than 70 species of cockroaches in the United States, with some preferring to stay outdoors and others that are ready to move in to your home when cooler temperatures arrive. Cockroaches can cause multiple health-related issues, from asthma attacks to allergic reactions. They spread nasty bacteria, including those that cause E. coli and Salmonella, and they can contaminate your food as they secrete waste and/or saliva.
Four common types of Florida cockroaches include:
Nearly half of all rodent issues take place during the fall and winter, according to the National Pest Management Association, as rats and mice move indoors. Because rodents are known to spread at least 35 diseases, some of them serious, it’s important to be proactive to help prevent a winter infestation. Tips include:
Here are more ways to prevent rodent infestations.
There are about 2,800 varieties of termites, with 185 of them considered pests. They feed on wood, including that in the foundations and support beams of homes, and can cause damage costing untold thousands of dollars. Although they can become less active in the winter, with some species burrowing underground, that isn’t necessarily so in more moderate climates such as Florida. Plus, it isn’t unusual for termite colonies to winter in nice warm homes.
Warning sites of termite infestations include:
Lawns may not be growing fast year-round, but weeds are always waiting to strike. Now’s the time to prepare your lawn for spring and summer by stopping warm-season weeds before they have a chance to get established. Inspect your lawn now for weeds that can be pulled by hand, and apply a winter pre-emergent weed control solution. For the best results, call the lawn and outdoor pros at Turner now—we have the equipment, techniques, and special products that will prevent spring and summer weeds from germinating.
Since summer weeds will be sprouting soon, it’s best to apply pre-emergent herbicides between February 15 and March 1, so contact us now!
For the ultimate in pest control coverage for a low initial price, we invite you to use SMART TurnerGuard. Our plan offers more coverage than any other in the industry, from termites and bed bugs, to rodents and wasps.
SMART TurnerGuard provides a great value, too: Your service starts at an affordable initial fixed price, and then you pay a low monthly fee based on your home’s square footage. There are no hidden costs or exclusions, and you’ll never pay for another termite retreatment.
If you’re ready to get started or just want to learn more about all of our residential pest control and lawn and outdoor options, please contact us online or call 904-355-5300.
Ready for expert pest control? Find a Turner Pest Control location near you.