Pest Problems in Winter Vacation Homes

Author: Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist

Cabin Home Pests

Whether your vacation home is somewhere balmy or somewhere snow-peaked, pests can and will find their way in. Many vacation homes, though, can go weeks, months, or even entire seasons without anyone visiting or living in them. Several pests may take advantage of the undisturbed space during these unused periods. Before you settle into your holiday getaway, check your vacation home for these three common pests.

Silverfish

Silverfish are the most common pests in homes, especially homes that have been empty for a while. These primitive arthropods get their name from their fish-like appearance, and they prefer to infest damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

You’ll know you have silverfish if you see bugs with:

- Long, flat bodies

- Silver, grey color

- 3 cerci (tail-like segments)

Fortunately, silverfish don’t pose any harm to people, pets, or plants. They can, however, indicate a moisture problem in the part of the home they’re found. To get rid of silverfish, simply remove the silverfish using whatever method you’re comfortable with, and make sure the areas they are found in are cleaned up and dried.  

House Centipedes

House centipedes are by far the spookiest pests to find in your home. Unlike typical insects with six legs, house centipedes have 30 leg segments they use to move around. This makes them the epitome of “creepy crawlies.”

You’ll know you have house centipedes if you see bugs with:

- Oblong, banded bodies with tan or yellow coloration

- Long, slender legs and antennae protruding from all sides of the body

- Lots and lots of legs

Like silverfish, house centipedes are more annoying than they are dangerous. Some people view them as beneficial to have in the home as they eat other pests like roaches and spiders. If you’re not as thrilled to have house centipedes as house guests, I recommend using a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. To prevent future sightings, keep your home clean to discourage other insects from living there, thereby removing their food sources.

Spiders

Spiders come in all shapes and sizes, but most aren’t an issue if you find them in your home. In fact, spiders are excellent at controlling for other pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. Unless your spider population is out of control or really starting to bug you, it’s fine to have a spider here or there.

The issue arises when dangerous spiders are found in your home. Two spiders, black widows, and brown recluses, pose significant health risks to people and pets.

You can tell a Black Widow spider by its:

- Jet black body with a red hourglass on the abdomen

- Web-building spiders found close to ground

- Found in dark areas of the home (basement, closets, garages, shoes)

You can tell a Brown Recluse by its:

- Light brown and tan body with violin silhouette on cephalothorax (head)

- Small, slender frame and legs

- Hunting spiders found in undisturbed areas (prefer crevices and hard-to-reach areas)

If you suspect you have a black widow or brown recluse, proceed with caution when removing them. If either spider bites you, seek medical assistance immediately.

Silent Nights

Don’t let pests wreck the halls this winter. Call the Pros at Mosquito Squad to set up your next service and learn more about our traditional barrier treatment. Call us today for a free quote!