InsaneJournal

Pest Problems in Autumn Weather
It’s getting later in the year, it’s freezing outside the house and we’re disappearing inside for heat. And we’re not necessarily the only ones. Insects and unwanted pests tend to be more readily associated with the milder weather of summer and spring, but it’s when it gets cold that a lot of the problems begin. Mice infestation,rats and even some insects will need to stay warm and your nice, cosy, centrally heated office is just the sort of place to find it.

Rodent infestations increase dramatically in the autumn 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 heat and the huge quantities of rubbish present in towns and cities such as London mean there is plenty available for them there. To that end, a simple technique to lessen the chances of infestation is to be sure your trash isn’t left out for days or else is kept in a secure container. Otherwise, the rats will discover it, start mating and you could quickly find a rodent infestation on your hands.

Rodents have a sense of smell many times as strong as a human's. Like many mammals, odours are vital to their survival, because they use their urine to mark out territory, objects and trails. One may therefore deter rodents by laying down strong scents. Mothballs are a regular and effective choice, however the powerful scent can be unpleasant for we humans as well.For that reason it’s a method most suitable to out-of-the way areas which are liable to infestation, such as attics, cellars and outbuildings or perhaps caravans and campers which may end up being left uninhabited over the winter months.

Wasps are normally a summer problem, but the recent hot weather means plenty of wasps are staying active a lot later than is normal. Those nests that remain outside the house are unlikely to survive the first frost, but those inside - hidden away in attics, sheds or barns - may survive into late October and November. The new queen will ordinarily have left the nest at the end of the summer, but those wasps left behind will continue to look for food. Like most of us, they can end up getting a little bit tipsy as Christmas draws near, as often the only food available is rotting fruit that has started to ferment. Sadly, many wasps may also be at their most dangerous at this time of year; since the hunt for food gets more and more difficult, the insects will become more and more aggressive. Just like mice and rats you can reduce your chances of attracting wasps by not leaving food out for longer than is necessary. If there are only a couple of wasps about, a trap can be sufficient to take care of them, however the best approach is to simply wait for them to fly away.

Winter brings its own difficulties in regards to pest infestations, but to be informed is to be prepared. There are a variety of small, preventative steps you can take to prevent pest infestations, but bear in mind that tackling an established nest head on is a problem that is better left to the professionals. And remember, it might not just be you who’s keeping warm in your home this winter.

Expert, friendly and effective pest control for pest infestations can be supplied by the London-based firm Terminex, a fully certified member of the British Pest Control Association. They provide numerous commercial and household services for dealing with unwanted infestations all year long.