Over the last month, there have been increased reports of insects, mice and other pests invading buildings. As it gets colder, most of these are looking for a warm place to hide. Consider these tips for control.

 

• Check for cracks. One of the most common ways for pests to enter is through cracks and openings in foundations and improperly sealed areas. An occasional walk around the foundation to look for cracks and other potential areas of entry is recommended as well as checking door and window frames for gaps. These gaps can usually be filled with sealers or foam insulation. 

 

• Remove hiding places. Plants that have died back in the fall should not be left in planter beds, especially near buildings, since these provide a hiding place for the unwanted visitors as does decorative bark and other living plants near buildings.

 

• Keep pests from reaching food sources. These are mainly in the kitchen, pantry and food storage areas. Monitor for pests using glue-board traps and look around for possible feeding damage or feces from mice.

 

• Don’t store foods rich in carbohydrates, such as grain and pasta, in paper or light-weight packaging that is easily punctured (often the original packaging). Instead, use air-tight, heavy duty, food-grade plastic, metal or glass containers.

 

• Clean shelves and floor space in storage areas often.

 

• Monitor pests. Most spiders feed on other arthropods and stay hidden from people as much as possible. Glue-board traps are useful in monitoring spiders and reducing spider and mouse populations. Traps should be placed in secluded areas potentially used for pest travel. Check traps at least weekly. One glue board will hold a large number of spiders. During warmer months, if you are not too squeamish, spiders may be caught and released outside, away from structures, so that they continue to control unwanted insects.

 

• Use pesticides sparingly. For arthropods such as spiders and insects, pesticides are available for control. For many reasons, these should be considered as a tool for control, but only after other methods have been exhausted. Pesticides control most arthropods, whether they are good or bad. Many pests breed faster than beneficial insects, so excessive spraying can actually make pest problems worse long-term. If spraying is needed, use it as a short-term solution in conjunction with other control methods such as exclusion. Over time, the insects become resistant to pesticides. Many sprays are available for indoor and outdoor use and will last for weeks to months. 

Keep in mind that no matter how many control methods are used, it is virtually impossible to exclude all unwanted pests, and squishing or trapping a few is just part of life.