Do Termites Hibernate in the Fall & Winter?

Termites can infest homes in the fall and winter in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Unlike other types of pests, termites remain active through the fall and winter. Rather than go dormant, termites continue to infest structures even in the colder months of the year. With our frigid winters in Wisconsin, these pests will simply tunnel deep into the soil for survival. Many assume termites are only active in the spring because that is when they will swarm, but the reality is these pests could be chewing their way through your home any time of the year. Because of this, it’s crucial to know how to look for signs of termites as well as how to protect your home from these pests. Keep reading for expert info from the team at Batzner!

Termite Life Cycle

Termites most often swarm in the spring or summer, but in rare cases, they can in the fall, too. Due to our Wisconsin climate, this is rare here. Nonetheless, a termite colony will remain active through the fall and winter inside whatever structure they’ve infested. The queen termite continues to reproduce and lay eggs all year long, which means a termite colony can grow at a constant rate.

This being said, termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year. However, you can certainly still notice termite damage if you have a serious infestation on your hands.

What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

A termite problem can be ongoing for months before any damage begins to appear, which is one of the reasons why they’re so feared! The following damage manifesting in your property could indicate that you likely have a mature termite infestation on your hands:

  1. Mud tubes
  2. Discarded swarmer wings
  3. Termite frass (feces)
  4. Drywall discoloration
  5. Loose tiles or buckling floors
  6. Bubbling or uneven paint on walls
  7. Holes in drywall
  8. Crumbling wood
  9. Hollow-sounding wood
  10. Sagging sheetrock

Fall Termite Infestations

At all times of the year, it’s important to know how to look for signs of termites in your home. Just because they’re not swarming doesn’t mean you’re safe from an infestation. Contact us to learn more about how to keep your home protected from fall pest problems.

8 Steps to a Rodent-Free Winter

Winter window in New Berlin and Oshkosh WI - Batzner Pest Control provides rodent control checklist to prevent infestations.

Pest problems are a fact of life throughout the year, even in the winter! While a lot of animals hibernate during Wisconsin winters, many pests remain active throughout the cold months. In fact, rodent infestations are at some of their highest numbers this time of year. This is because rats and mice will squeeze their way into your home to escape the freezing temperatures outside. The best way to prevent a rodent infestation is to safeguard your home, limiting their chances of getting indoors! Read on to learn Batzner’s top tips for rodent-proofing your home this winter.

Does Cold Weather Kill Mice and Rats?

Many people assume that during the winter, pest problems go away. What about rats and mice? These rodents are active throughout the colder months of the year and are more compelled than ever to invade homes to escape the harsh weather outside. Once inside, they will nest and spread. In addition to their destructive gnawing and tunneling, rat droppings are capable of spreading disease. Because rodent infestations are so common in the winter, it’s essential to protect your home from them with regular rodent control.

Rodent Control in the Winter

Rodent Control Checklist for your Oshkosh or New Berlin WI home this winter - Batzner Pest ControlMice are infamous for squeezing through tiny spaces—even holes the size of a dime. For this reason, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your home for openings that may welcome rodents indoors in the winter.

There are eight spots in particular around your property that are vulnerable to rodent intrusions. By routinely checking these areas and making repairs as necessary, you can effectively lessen the risk of rodents getting indoors.

 

These eight locations include:

  • Roof
  • Vents
  • Screens
  • Vegetation
  • Gutters
  • Outside
  • Garage
  • Foundation

Wisconsin Winter Rodent Control

If you discover areas of your home needing repair, or more specifically, areas showing definite rodent activity, the experts at Batzner Pest Control are here to help. We specialize in preventing pest problems before they begin, which is why we can help rodent-proof your home for the winter. To learn more about protecting your home from rats and mice, give our team a call today!

Can Bed Bugs Live in Cold Weather?

Bed bugs can infest Wisconsin homes in the winter and are known to survive extremely cold temperatures. Batzner Pest Control

If you live in Wisconsin, you’re no stranger to brutal winters. With temperatures well below freezing for several months, you would think that pests and insects can’t survive the cold. Unfortunately, that’s not the case! Bed bugs are known to adapt to extremely unfavorable conditions and are very capable of infesting Wisconsin homes any time of the year. Keep reading to learn about bed bug behavior in the wintertime!

Do Bed Bugs Survive the Winter?

Bed bugs are known to be resilient pests and can survive extreme temperatures. When temperatures drop significantly, bed bugs may enter a state of diapause. In this state, adult bugs can survive without a meal for months.

Long story short, bed bugs are very capable of staying alive year-round. Especially inside heated Wisconsin homes in the winter, bed bugs are adept to infest homes at any time. For this reason, it’s important to learn how to prevent them all year long.

Do Extreme Temperatures Kill Bed Bugs?

Just like humans, bed bugs prefer warmth. Their ideal temperatures are around 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes you wonder how they are able to live through below freezing temperatures. Some things to know about bed bugs in the winter include:

  • Although extreme temperatures can be used to control bed bugs, they have to be very extreme.
  • If exposed to temps below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for four or more days, bed bugs will likely die.
  • Inside warm heated homes, bed bugs are even more able to reproduce and spread quickly.
  • Bed bugs are known to enter a state of diapause to wait out freezing temperatures in favor for the warmth of springtime.

Bed Bug Infestations in the Winter

Especially with how extreme Wisconsin winters can be, the last thing you expect to discover in the coldest months of the year is a pest infestation! Bed bugs do not have an off-season and are capable of infesting homes at any time of the year. If you think you’ve spotted the signs of bed bugs in your property, it’s time to call in the professionals at Batzner Pest Control.