Thursday 17 November 2011

Infestation Problems in Autumn Weather

It’s getting later in the year, it’s cool out in the open and we’re trying to hide inside for warmth. But we’re certainly not the only ones. Bugs and unwanted pests are much more readily associated with the warmer weather of summer, but it’s when it gets cold that lots of the problems start. Mice, rats and even some insects need to stay warm and your nice, cosy, centrally heated house is just the sort of place to find it.

Rodent infestations increase dramatically over the the fall 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 tremendous quantities of garbage present in towns such as London mean there is plenty on offer for them there. So, a simple strategy to lower the probability of infestation is to make certain your rubbish isn’t left out for days on end or otherwise is placed in a secure container. If not, the rats will discover it, start breeding and you might quickly find a rodent infestation on your hands.

Mice and rats possess a sense of smell many times as strong as a human being's. Like many mammals, scents are vital to their survival, since they use their urine to mark out territory, objects and pathways. One can therefore deter rodents by laying down strong smells. Mothballs are a common and effective option, however the powerful scent might also be unpleasant for we human beings as well.As a result it’s a method more suitable to out-of-the way places which are liable to infestation, such as attics, cellars and sheds as well as caravans and campers which might end up being left uninhabited during the winter months.

Wasps are ordinarily a summer problem, but the recent warm weather means some wasps are staying active much later than is normal. Those nests which remain out in the open will be unlikely to survive the first frost, but those inside - hidden away in attics, sheds or barns - can make it through into late October and early November. The new queen will normally 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 get somewhat tipsy as Christmas draws near, as often the only food available is fruit which has fallen from a tree and has begun to ferment. Unfortunately, many wasps will also be at their most dangerous at this time of year; since the search for food gets increasingly difficult, the insects will become more and more aggressive. Much like mice and rats you can reduce the chances of you 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, but the best tactic is to simply wait for them to fly away.

Winter brings its very own problems when it comes to unwanted pests, but to be informed is to be prepared. There are numerous small, preventative steps you can take to prevent pest infestations, but don't forget that tackling an established colony head on is a problem best 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 London  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.