As the summertime draws to a close and temperatures plummet, many pests will seek shelter for the winter.
Unfortunately your home is ideal for numerous pests to hibernate as it’s dry and warm.
Some pests aren’t hibernating. Instead, they’re in a state of diapause where they temporary stop growing or evolving.
Either way, hibernating pests may not cause problems during winter as you may not notice them. But as they emerge in spring, their activities and behaviour will affect your property and daily life. Also, some hibernating pests leave behind a mess.
What pests should I look out for?
Insects are your biggest threat, as many struggle to survive winter without adequate shelter.
1) Cluster Flies
As the name suggests, these flies like to stick together in high numbers. In addition, they don’t enjoy cold weather. Therefore, your loft, attic, and indoor areas are the perfect refuge.
In winter they hibernate together, and after reemerging in the spring they lay eggs.
It’s not uncommon for them to emerge before spring. The warm temperatures of your home can trick them into believing it’s springtime.
Cluster flies don’t threaten your health, but they’re certainly a pest you don’t want around your home.
After months of hibernating they often leave excrement, which can stain walls and fabric.
2) Woodworm
The term Woodworm refers to the larvae of wood boring beetles. The ‘Common Furniture Beetle’ offspring are the usual suspects when dealing with damaged wooden furniture in UK homes.
The hibernating beetles don’t typically cause a problem. However, their larvae can destroy furniture.
They burrow holes and make tunnels in wooden furniture and structures. The most typical signs of Woodworm are the presence of fine powdery sawdust, damaged or crumbling wood, and dead adult beetles.
3) Beetles
Beetles also like to hibernate during wintertime. The cold and wet weather causes them to burrow underneath fallen leaves and loose bark. Of course, your warm and dry home makes the ideal resting place.
This should cause concern as they breed very quickly, and an infestation can escalate rapidly.
If you think pests are hibernating in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you deal with any pest infestation.