With temperatures dropping, you might start spending more time inside to escape the cold. Unfortunately, wintertime in North Carolina might also bring some unexpected houseguests. In this article, you'll learn common winter pests, plus tips on how you can keep your house pest-free. 

Common Winter Pests in North Carolina

Many winter pests use buildings to shelter themselves from the cold. Here's what you might expect to see around the house. 

Rodents

Rodents like mice and rats tend to nest in dark areas like attics, basements, and between walls. Rodents may carry disease, chew through electrical wiring, or even bite humans. If you see droppings or holes in your walls, smell a strange odor, or hear scurrying in your ceiling at night, you probably have a rodent infestation.

Spiders

North Carolina is home to a variety of spider species, including the dangerous Brown Recluse. Spiders typically spin their webs in unused areas like attics, basements, and empty closets. If a Brown Recluse has bitten you, make sure to visit a doctor immediately, as you could experience swelling, fever, coma, and, in some cases, death.

Ticks and Fleas

Unlike some other animals, ticks and fleas can't survive cold weather. Instead, they rely on humans and other animals to provide shelter during the winter. Make sure to regularly check your pets for ticks and fleas, especially if you notice they keep scratching their bodies. 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches love food crumbs and dirty clothes. They tend to live in small, dark areas, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. These unwelcome houseguests can spread disease, trigger allergies, and eat your clothing. Common signs of a cockroach infestation include an unpleasant odor, small droppings, and shed skin throughout the house. 

Ants

An ant infestation during the winter can be quite a nuisance. Seeking shelter from the cold outside, ants may eat your food, cause structural damage to your home, or even bite you, depending on the species. 

Moths

Moths like to eat clothing made of cotton, wool, or fur. They're also drawn to fabric-upholstered furniture throughout the house. If you see any holes in your clothing or furniture, you may have a moth infestation. In addition to the prevention tips mentioned below, using mothballs can repel these pesky pests. 

How to Prevent Pest Infestation

Each pest is different, but following a few simple rules can help you prevent unwanted house guests: 

• Keep your home clean and avoid leaving crumbs of food throughout the house. Many animals, including rodents, cockroaches, and ants, love picking up your unwanted food. 
• Put your dirty laundry in a closed hamper, which can help prevent animals that love clothing, like cockroaches or moths.
• Close doors and windows whenever possible. You don't want to give unwanted pests an easy way to get into your home. 

No matter how much care you put into keeping your house a pest-free zone, sometimes nature can get the better of you. Whether you want to prevent pests effectively, or if you're already dealing with an infestation, a pest control professional is often your best bet. Contact Thomas Pest Control to take care of all your North Carolina pest control needs.