Many outdoor pests die off or hibernate during the winter. But there are others that adapt to cold weather and worse – find their way into your home or business. Once they have settled into a safe, climate-controlled structure… what season it is won’t make much of a difference to these invaders.
Let’s consider some of the common pests we find on Long Island during the winter.
In 2012, Superstorm Sandy was a wake-up call for Long Island residents. We learned that climate change – once dismissed as a problem mainly for those in hotter climates – might be knocking on our door.
In the decade since then… we have seen warmer, shorter winters and a warming, rising Long Island Sound. Climate change is already having an effect on Long Island’s ecosystems, and it’s affecting pest populations as well. Even rodents are feeling the effects of warmer winters – and changes to their biology and habits will ultimately impact us.
For some people, encountering a spider provokes a visceral reaction. They experience sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, and other symptoms similar to a panic attack. They may misjudge the situation, perceiving a spider as closer or larger than it actually is… thereby magnifying the fear response and creating a feedback loop of terror.
The mere thought or mention of spiders can trigger the response, as can seeing spider webs. In the future, they may even alter their behavior to avoid places they think spiders might be lurking. This reaction to spiders goes beyond fear; it’s full-blown arachnophobia.
The weather is getting colder here on Long Island; it’ll be months before spring warms us back up again. We do our best to stay warm and limit our time out in the cold, and unfortunately, we’re not the only ones out there doing just that.
If you want to stay out of the cold, you can bet all sorts of pests out there would like to do the same. And if you’re keeping your home warm, they’ll think that’s the perfect place to go. [Read more…]
Do you live in a neighborhood with majestic, mature oak trees? Lucky you! Oaks provide bountiful shade cover in the spring and summer, producing a riot of color in the fall. They’re among the most popular and common trees in New York, with several species native to Long Island. [Read more…]
Whether scampering across your kitchen floor or scrabbling in your walls or attic, rodents are unwelcome visitors to your home. Fall is prime time for invading rats, mice, squirrels, and other small rodents. As temperatures drop, they seek warmth, food, and shelter indoors. Unfortunately, their desire for comfort is not compatible with your need for safety.
In observance of Rodent Awareness Week from October 16-22, let’s explore some of the hidden dangers of exposure to these common autumn pests.
Rats, mice, and other rodents can cause issues with your home, health, and peace of mind. Are rodents a health hazard? Yes. Can they damage your home? Absolutely.
So, how are rodents harmful to humans? Rats, mice, and squirrels can cause a wide variety of health issues, and they are also a source of property damage when they chew through your walls, pipes, and wires. Rodents are blamed for 30,000 structure fires yearly due to gnawing on electrical wires.
What happens in your walls doesn’t always stay in your walls. Rodents leave their nests within a wall to seek food, exposing you, your family, and your pets to the many illnesses they can carry. Rodent-borne diseases are spread through bites and contact with feces, urine, saliva, and tracks.
Rodents don’t even need to leave the wall to spread viruses that can be transmitted through airborne dust. Diseases may also be transmitted through the parasites they carry. For example, fleas, mites, or ticks that feed on rodents can quickly leave the wall and bite you or your pets.
Throughout history, exposure to rodent-borne diseases has caused civilization-ravaging pandemics. Medical science has evolved to the point where these diseases are rarely fatal [when treated] in developed countries, but they still can be severe and have lasting effects on your health.
Some of the diseases spread by rodents in the U.S. include
Rodents are a vector for monkeypox, although transmission is highly unlikely unless you have direct contact with a rodent’s blood or bodily fluids. Until more data is available about the current monkeypox outbreak, handle rodents and rodent carcasses with care, and ensure that your pets do not encounter them.
If you hear scratching in your walls, take action as soon as possible to remove the source of the problem before it becomes a health hazard. The quickest way to address the situation is to hire a pest control professional to locate and identify the pests in your walls. Trained experts can eradicate the problems and ensure they do not return.
Twin Forks Pest Control® has been eliminating rodents, including those that find their way into your walls, for more than 20 years. Our trained experts will rid your property of unwanted pests, and we offer year-round protection plans so that your home stays pest-free. At the first sign of problems, call us for a free estimate.
