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Fight Back Against Winter Invaders in Fort Collins, CO, with Mosquito Squad!

Posted by Mosquito Squad

October 1, 2024

The cold of winter may drive you indoors in search of warmth and comfort. Unfortunately, the cold may also push many pests to seek shelter in your home. The good news is that Mosquito Squad is here to help!

Common Winter Pests in Fort Collins

When temperatures drop, the reprieve from mosquitoes and ticks can feel like a miracle, but there’s only a matter of time before certain pests begin to take up residence inside your home. Some of the most common culprits include:

Cluster Flies

This species of fly often gathers in large groups. Once inside, they tend to cluster in hidden areas, such as attics, walls, or under curtains but may emerge on warmer days. Many people find them irritating due to their slow, noisy flying and their tendency to create swarms. 

Boxelder Bugs

These bugs do not cause structural damage or cause any problems for your food supply, but because they congregate in such large numbers, they may still be unpleasant to deal with when they overwinter in your home. Boxelder bugs also may leave red, unappealing stains on walls, curtains, and other surfaces.

Spiders

Most spiders in Fort Collins are not dangerous, but some, like black widows and brown recluses, are venomous and can be dangerous. Spiders tend to hide in quiet, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, or closets. While spiders can be beneficial by controlling other pests, their presence is a cause of fear and discomfort for many.

Asian Beetles

Asian ladybeetles are an invasive species of ladybug. They look similar to their more harmless cousins, but Asian beetles can bite and may release a foul-smelling yellow secretion from their joints. This secretion can trigger allergic reactions in many people. Like many winter invaders, these pests gather in large numbers, and an infestation can quickly become overwhelming.

How Winter Invaders Get Indoors

Winter pests are adept at finding their way into warm homes through a variety of entry points:

  • Small gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
  • Unprotected vents, chimneys, and other openings
  • Gaps in walls or roofs
  • Through cracks under doors or around doors and windowsills that are not protected with weather stripping
  • Holes in window and door screens

Even homes that are well-maintained are likely to have some chips in their armor through which pests can squeeze themselves through. 

Prevent Wintertime Pest Invasions in Fort Collins

Start preparing as early as August or September to prevent winter pest invasions. Proactive measures can mean the difference between an easily manageable problem and a large infestation. Our recommendations for preparation are as follows:

  1. Seal Entry Points: Conduct thorough inspections to identify cracks, gaps, and other openings around the home. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these potential entry points.
  2. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep homes clean and as uncluttered as possible, as pests are often drawn to cluttered, warm environments where they can easily find food.
  3. Repair Damaged Screens: Ensure all windows, doors, and vents have intact screens that can keep out pests. Promptly repair or replace any that have holes or are otherwise damaged.

While these actions are fairly effective methods of prevention, they aren’t foolproof and won’t help in the case of a full-blown infestation. In such cases, a more robust solution is needed.

Turn to Mosquito Squad for Effective Winter Invader Solutions

If you need a powerful and effective treatment to deal with winter invaders, Mosquito Squad is your answer. Our comprehensive pest control solutions are tailored to meet your needs and can help you fight back against all kinds of winter invaders in Fort Collins. One of our most popular treatments is our protective barrier spray, which is proven to significantly reduce pest populations within 21 days. When you call us, our trained technicians will help you identify problem areas and pest hotspots, and then target these areas with treatment for maximum effectiveness. 

Take Action to Avoid Pests in Fort Collins This Winter

This winter, avoid the nuisance of common pest invaders in Fort Collins and partner with Mosquito Squad for effective pest control this season. For a free quote, call us today at (970) 658-2820 or fill out our contact form online.