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Over-wintering pests store up problems for Spring

Chris Macdonald - Sales Director - SafeGroup

By

Chris Macdonald

3 min read
  • How to spot the signs of pests over-wintering in your premises
  • PestSafe Services offer the right pest control method for each type of infestation
  • Deal with the problem straight away before it gets worse

During spells of very cold weather it may appear that pests including insects, spiders and rodents have gone, moved out, or even ‘died off’.

In fact, it’s likely that many of them are still there and they could be closer than you think. A number of common pests are able to survive the winter – by moving into the nearest warm building ready to emerge again in Spring.

Rodents cause damage and spread disease

Mice and rats are capable of breeding all year round and more frequently in winter if they find a warm place indoors to build a nest. Food waste and warmth will lure them into office spaces, factories and homes. Look out for rat and mouse droppings, and if you find a pile of shredded paper and cardboard tucked away, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Another giveaway, particularly in warehouses and food stores is signs of chewing or gnawing, especially on boxes that contain food.

A rodent infestation can cause a lot of damage inside walls and in attics or basements by chewing on electric cables and leaving urine and droppings, which can also cause disease.

Flies signal unhygienic premises and put customers off

Adult blowflies, bluebottles and house flies can survive during winter by hiding inside buildings. They will seek out building cavities, small gaps under floorboards, between walls and floors or in attics or basements. The cold causes them to enter a state called diapause, similar to hibernation, which slows down their development and appetite.

Once Spring brings warmer weather, flies will search for decaying organic matter including rotting meat and excrement, on which to lay their eggs. These eggs then hatch into maggots which feed on rotting food and other human waste.

Humans associate flies with dirt and unhygienic conditions. Flies seen in restaurants, takeaway shops, grocery stores and supermarkets will immediately turn customers off – who may never come back – and cause significant damage to a business’s reputation.

It is essential to act quickly to get rid of a fly infestation.

Silverfish and wood lice warn of damp problems

Silverfish and common wood lice thrive in damp and dark areas, so may be your first warning of a damp problem – especially in basements and dark kitchens and bathrooms. Silverfish are nocturnal. They like to chew on plaster and carpet and can cause significant damage.

Pest control technicians will remove silverfish and woodlice and advise you on any remedial work you may need to do to your property to prevent them from coming back.

Stay Pest-Free with PestSafe

Whether it’s a one-off appointment or regular checks for your premises, PestSafe Services technicians deliver professional pest control. Eliminate disruption from pests and prevent damage and losses to your business by calling in the professionals.

Contact us here or phone us on 0800 668 1268

Chris Macdonald - Sales Director - SafeGroup
About the author

Chris Macdonald

Chris has strategic responsibility for sales development and major accounts management at SafeGroup. He was a professional footballer with Southampton FC until a series of injuries ended his career while still a teenager. Chris began working as a helpdesk controller for a national FM company in 2004. By 2013 he was its managing director. From there he joined SafeGroup in 2018, bringing with him huge expertise plus the energy, enthusiasm and drive that would have surely made him a success in the Premier League. He does, however, still enjoy playing football.

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