Cold Weather Pests that can Crash your Holiday Party

holiday pest

holiday pestNashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN

There’s nothing worse than designing the perfect holiday party only to have unwanted pests show up unexpectedly. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also spread germs and diseases that can make your family or guests ill. Fortunately, our Nashville pest control experts at Ameri Care Services share more information about cold weather pests that can crash your holiday party and how to keep them from appearing.

Rats

Rats pose the most significant pest issue for the greater Nashville area. When rats seek shelter indoors during the winter to stay warm, they can contaminate food sources or bring diseases and parasites into your home. Rats can survive in various environments, particularly in and around buildings, lawns, flower beds, residential areas, and outdoor areas. When rats burrow beneath a home, it weakens the foundation. They chew on plastic pipes, landscaping plants, pet food containers, and electrical wires that may cause a fire. A rat’s fur contains oil, which smears on everything they touch. Additionally, they leave behind urine and feces that contaminates wood, insulation, and other personal property. Our pest control pros in Murfreesboro explain that it’s important to protect your home by maintaining a clean yard, sealing possible entryways, and setting traps, if necessary. Regularly check and empty the traps because rats that are dying or dead will attract more rodents to your residence.

Mice

Mice can fit through the smallest of openings and spread illnesses like the hantavirus and leptospirosis, just like rats. Mice, like their larger cousins, chew through your home’s structure, including drywall. Additionally, they bring ticks and fleas indoors, which bring their own risks, such as Lyme disease, typhus, and Bartonella.  Winter is indeed the season when these residential rodents cause the most problems. If left untreated, you may notice gnaw marks or nesting materials that can accumulate and cause severe home damages. Therefore, to control mice, our Nashville rodent exterminators recommend keeping a sanitary yard, close entry points, and set up traps in hidden places.

Termites

Termites are one of the most destructive pests, and they eat away at your home’s structure. Unfortunately, termites cost the global economy close to $40 billion in damage every year. The USDA estimates that termites cause damage to over 600,000 homes in the United States each year. You can typically find termites outside assisting nature with material decomposition, but when they enter your basement or crawlspace, your house is now on a food source. Even though termites can sting or bite, they are not harmful to humans. However, people with asthma or allergies may suffer more in a home with a termite infestation because termites leave behind dust as they chew through the wood structure. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact our Murfreesboro termite control experts to uncover the infestation extent and begin treatments to protect your home and your health.

Ants

Ants are a quintessential pest that doesn’t take the winter season off. Whether you find ants crawling across the kitchen counter or get stung by one while sitting on the couch, it could mean more are not far behind. That means your guest’s health may be at risk. For example, red fire ants in the South can sting humans, as they are very aggressive and territorial. A fire ant, unlike a bee, can sting multiple times. These stings can be fatal to small animals and people with medical conditions or allergies. Our Nashville area pest control company recommends using bait traps that worker ants carry to the queen and eliminating food and water sources. However, if you still see ants despite your efforts, call Ameri Care Services for a home examination and treatment.

Pest Control Services in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN

A mouse scampering across the floor in the kitchen while your guests are lined up at the buffet is not the picture of a holiday event anyone would want. Fortunately, you can reduce the likelihood of unwanted pests during this holiday season when you take action to protect your home. So, after sealing the entry points and cleaning the yard, feel free to contact our pest control services company in Murfreesboro, Ameri Care Services, for an in-depth exam and available treatment options. Please call our office at (615) 893-7111 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.