Common Winter Invaders in Las Vegas

When the temperatures drop, some pests migrate and others go dormant. But for those who don’t “hibernate,” they’ll begin looking for a warm place to wait out the winter season, and if you aren’t careful this could mean your home.

Keep reading to learn the common pests you may encounter in your home this winter and how you can prevent an infestation.

Common Winter Pests in Las Vegas

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are year-round pests. Although they don’t pose any health risks, people who’ve experienced bed bug infestations have reported PTSD-like symptoms long after their bed bug problem was removed.

Contrary to their name, these tiny bloodsuckers will live on couches, nightstands, lamps, and anywhere else their host stays for long periods of time. Because bed bugs are able to hitch rides on unsuspecting passengers, they can easily infest homes and businesses. This is why it’s important to inspect your luggage and clothing, especially if you’ve been traveling.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are known to spread germs and bacteria everywhere they go. In Las Vegas, we have four types of cockroaches:

• America cockroach
• Brown-banded cockroach
• German cockroach
• Oriental cockroach

Because cockroaches are nocturnal, you may not even know you have a cockroach until it’s too late and you have a full-blown infestation. This is why it’s important to have regular pest inspections, especially where cockroaches are common.

Scorpions

The Las Vegas climate is unique compared to the rest of the country. We have 25 different scorpion species residing in our area. The two most common scorpion species include the Bark Scorpion and the Desert Hairy Scorpion. Scorpions stings can cause various symptoms, including increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, and convulsions.

 

Rodents

There are four types of rodents in Las Vegas including:

• Deer Mouse
• House Mouse
• Norway Rat
• Roof Rat

Rodents are a year-round pest that will infest any property, not just unsanitary ones. Rodents can cause structural damage, damage to personal items, and electrical damage. In fact, rodent damage is to blame for around 25% of fires with unknown causes. Rodents can also transmit several diseases and bring parasites into your home.

Spiders

Spiders are a feared pest and Las Vegas is home to several spider species including some potentially dangerous ones like the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Spiders can fit through tiny holes and invade your home, especially if it has insects they enjoy devouring. Spiders prefer to nest in dark, undisturbed areas, and although many are reluctant to bite, they will if they feel threatened or provoked.

How to Keep Winter Pests Away

Pests invade homes because they have everything a pest needs to survive: a safe home, reliable food sources, and a constant supply of water. So here are some steps you can take to help keep your home protected against winter pests.

• Don’t leave food out
• Repair water leaks and eliminate standing water
• Store your food in hard plastic containers with airtight lids
• Stay clean, vacuuming and sweeping regularly to remove crumbs
• Seal potential entry points for pests including foundation cracks, door gaps, and window gaps (all of the pests listed above are small enough and cunning enough to fit through the smallest of spaces)

Experts in Pest Control

If you’re experiencing a pest infestation, it’s important that you contact a professional and not try using store-bought pest control products. Bed bugs and scorpions are highly resilient and rodents and cockroaches are quite clever. A pest control technician will be able to identify the root of the problem and treat it effectively, and for good.