Common Pests to Watch for in Your Home Around Thanksgiving
California is home to a wide variety of pests, but not all of them are likely to crash your Thanksgiving. A few types are more common this time of year; these are the ones to watch for:
Rodents
As the weather cools, mice and rats often move indoors in search of warmth and food to get through the winter. They hide in secluded spots during the day and may sneak into your kitchen at night.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches head indoors when outdoor conditions are unfavorable. They thrive in warm, moist environments and will eat almost anything they can find. Unfortunately, it’s not just one cockroach species; American, Turkestan, and German roaches are among the more common ones.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs love to travel, so infestations typically increase over the holidays as they move from one place to another with people visiting friends and family. Although you’re most likely to find them in bedrooms, bed bugs can be found in any area of your house.
Ants
Ant activity slows in fall and winter, but they may still wander indoors seeking food or shelter. Ants often forage for sweet or protein-rich foods and can establish nests in wall voids or other hidden areas.
How to Protect Your House From a Pest Infestation This Thanksgiving
The best way to avoid a pest problem is to act before one starts. Many homeowners wait until pests appear, only to face more time-consuming and costly solutions later. By taking a proactive approach, you can reduce what attracts pests and block the entry points they use, making infestations far less likely to occur.
Outdoor Prevention Tips
- Remove food sources, such as birdseed, pet dishes, and fallen fruit.
- Clean up debris, leaves, and other yard clutter.
- Trim shrubs and tree branches away from your siding and roof.
- Eliminate standing water and ensure proper drainage to prevent water damage.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and holes in foundations, siding, and around windows and doors.
- Cover vents with screens to keep pests out.
Indoor Prevention Tips
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep countertops, dishes, and floors clean.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Fix water leaks promptly.
- Reduce clutter, especially in basements, attics, and storage areas.
- Conduct routine inspections for signs of pests.
By limiting food, water, and hiding spots, and sealing entry points, you’ll make it much harder for pests to crash your Thanksgiving.
What to Do If You Find Pests in Your House This Thanksgiving
If you find pests in your house or notice signs of their presence, you shouldn’t hope that you’re wrong or wait for them to leave on their own. Instead, get in touch with Big Time Pest Control. We offer home inspections to determine if pests are present and pest control services to eliminate and prevent pests of all kinds.
Our home pest control protects against all of the most common pests in Northern California. It provides year-round protection, so you won’t have to worry about an infestation in any season. Our Guardian plan provides the protection you need, and we also offer Guardian Plus and Guardian Pro plans that include termite monitoring and control.
Even if you don’t currently have a pest problem in your home, it’s the perfect time to implement a pest control plan to ensure pests don’t derail your Thanksgiving. Serving Anderson, Redding, Sacramento, and Northern California since 2001, you can rely on our local knowledge and proven solutions; give Big Time Pest Control a call today to get started.
