Do Termites Stay Active in the Fall & Winter?

Termites can infest homes in Snohomish WA in the fall and winter - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestSome pests are known to overwinter or go dormant in the fall and winter to wait out the colder months of the year. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for termites, which are active all year round. Termites are often seen in the spring and summer when they swarm, but they are very much still around in the other seasons. Queen termites lay their eggs throughout the year, making it easy for a colony to continually grow. Because termites are a year-round threat, it’s crucial to get year-round protection. At Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest, we can help ensure you are protected against termites all year long.

Termite Activity in the Fall and Winter

Termites are most likely to swarm in the months between March and November. However, this doesn’t make it impossible for them to do so in the early fall! Regardless of whether you see a swarm or not, termites remain active as the queen continually lays eggs and colonies grow. The more mature a colony is, the more damage can be made to your home. If you have an infestation festering in your property for more than two years, it is very likely to begin to notice the signs of damage, even in the fall or winter. When we experience colder temperatures in the winter, a termite colony will tunnel deep underground to stay warm until spring rolls around once more.

What are the Signs of Fall Termites?

Termite infestations infamously are often not discovered until extensive damage has been done. During the fall months and throughout the entire year, look for the following signs of a termite colony in your property:

  1. Discarded swarmer wings
  2. Termite frass (feces)
  3. Thin or hollow-sounding timber
  4. Mud tunnels or galleries
  5. Uneven or bubbling paint
  6. Quiet clicking sounds in your walls

How to Prevent Fall and Winter Termite Infestations

Your best defense against a termite problem is to get year-round preventative services. At Western, we offer a number of termite treatment options designed to stop infestations before they begin. To learn more about how our termite exterminators can keep termites away for good, contact us today!

Protect Your Home from Rodents in the Winter

Winter window in Everett or Arlington WA home - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest provides rodent prevention checklist.Rodent infestations are a problem throughout the entire year, but they’re especially common during Washington winters. When the weather cools down, rats and mice look to escape the weather outdoors by entering homes and businesses. According to The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 21 million homes in the U.S. are invaded by rodents each winter! To protect your property from rodents this time of year, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your home and make repairs to keep them from getting indoors. Keep reading for top tips on rodent prevention from the exterminators at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest.

Do Rats & Mice Hibernate?

Although many types of animals and even some pests hibernate in the winter, rats and mice do not. In fact, they likely will appear more active than ever as they try to escape freezing temperatures outside. Once inside, a rodent infestation can cause a lot of destruction with their gnawing and nesting habits.

In addition to being destructive, rodents are known to carry dangerous bacteria and pathogens. To protect you and your family from rats and mice in the winter, it’s important to learn how to seal your home from them.

8 Spots to Check for Rodent Prevention

Rodent prevention checklist for your Snohomish or Everett WA home this winter - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest

As with any type of pest, the best way to prevent an infestation is to know how to prevent them in the first place. By thoroughly inspecting your property, you can locate the spots that could possibly invite rodents inside. The eight areas to inspect include:

  1. Roof: Replace and repair shingles or any other roof damage
  2. Gutters: Clean debris from gutters and downspouts
  3. Outside: Securely seal trash cans and keep a clean yard
  4. Garage: Make sure your garage closes flush to the ground
  5. Foundation: Seal any cracks or crevices larger than a dime
  6. Vents: Cover all vents securely
  7. Screens: Fix or replace any damaged window, door, or porch screens
  8. Vegetation: Keep a tidy yard and cut tree limbs back away from your home

Year-Round Rats & Mice Control

Rodent infestations may be at their highest in the winter, but they’re a problem throughout the entire year in Washington. If you’ve done all you can to prevent rats or mice and still find them inside your property, it’s best to call the professional rodent exterminators at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest. We specialize in preventing pest problems before they begin, making us your local leaders in rodent control and removal. For more information on how we can keep you rodent-free, give our team a call today!

How to Stay Pest-Free This Winter

A rodent is one of the many winter pests that may infest Snohomish WA homes - Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt PestPest infestations are most common in the spring and summer, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen in the winter, too! In fact, pest infestations this time of year are more common than you think. Just like us, pests and insects seek out warmth in the winter, which is why they squeeze their way inside of homes this time of year. To stay pest-free this winter, it’s important to learn how to protect your property. Keep reading for expert tips on preventing winter pests from Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest!

Pest Problems in the Winter

Some pests enter homes in the colder months to wait out the freezing temperatures in favor of the spring. A few common winter insects are ants, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs. These insects typically won’t be seen until the springtime. In addition to these insects, there are a number of other winter pests that may invade your Washington home this holiday season:

  • Rats & mice: The house mouse and Norway rat are able to squeeze their way indoors.
  • Spiders: House spiders and even black widows will hide indoors in dark, secluded corners.
  • Cockroaches: German cockroaches hitchhike indoors in grocery bags and boxes.
  • Bed bugs: Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug infestations are common in the winter.

Preventing Winter Pests Infestations

To properly protect your property from winter pests, it’s important to implement preventative measures into your home maintenance routine. To start, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your home before the months of winter hit to locate any vulnerabilities.

If you find any cracks or crevices in the foundation, seal them properly. In addition, you should place screens over vents and chimneys, store firewood away from your property line, promptly fix leaks or broken pipes, and keep a clean home to prevent winter pests.

When to Use Professional Winter Pest Control

Everyone knows pests are a nuisance in the spring and summer months, but they can cause problems in the winter, too. If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests and are still noticing pests inside your property, it’s time to call in the experts for winter pest control services. The team at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest can help with preventing winter pests—call today!