It is that time of year again, the time to look out for wintertime pests in Atlanta.  While you might think that the winter is a time you are free and clear from bugs and rodents, think again. In fact, winter is the time when pests decide to hunker down and make their homes--inside your home.

Mice and spiders are the most common pests that you will find in your home this winter. Just ask an Atlanta pest control expert if you are uncertain.

MiceMice will look for a way into your home as soon as it gets cold.  Once they get inside they will destroy food, leave droppings, and keep you awake at night.

Mice will leave signs of where they have been in your home, such as they pathways they take in and out. Follow these clues to figure out where they are living (and how to get rid of them).

When trying to figure out if you do have mice or not, look for droppings, urine trails, chewing, rub marks and small holes in your walls. 

 To get rid of mice, call Brookhaven pest control.  Additionally, eliminate clutter.   Mice love to nest in dark, quiet areas. They prefer things that have gone unattended for a while. This is why they love areas like the basement or the attic.   

You will also want to seal up any holes that could give mice access into your home.  Secure the bottoms of doors that lead to the outside.

Keep leftovers in airtight containers, and try not to leave anything on a counter that they can gnaw through.  

SpidersWhile most of the spiders that you will find in your home are harmless, they are still not pests that most people welcome.

Spiders are just like any other pest, they do not like the cold and will come inside during winter.   Typically you will encounter wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and cellar spiders.

The best way to get rid of, and prevent, spiders in the house, is to vacuum.  Vacuum any areas where you typically find spiders.  Make sure to vacuum areas that are harder to reach. These areas are often overlooked so spiders can make their homes here.  This also includes under furniture. 

Also make sure to check your firewood when you bring it in. Spiders often make their homes in the wood, and then you transport them inside without noticing.

Afraid of seeing spiders or mice this winter?  Contact Brookhaven pest control!

It is a commonly heard myth that earwigs crawl into the brain through the ear to lay eggs. There is no scientific evidence of this. Yet, we still choose to stigmatize these insects. Let's analyze this particular leaning and delve into the truth behind the question, "are earwigs harmful?". 

The first concern most people will have is the potential harm to people. Allow me to first dispel any illusion that you may believe about earwigs being dangerous. These insects are actually quite harmless in regards to their relationship to humans. They do not bite, sting, or invade the human brain via the ear, regardless of previous preconceptions. It is said that they may have the ability to pinch with their pincers if provoked or irritated by picking them up. Basically, in terms of being physically harmful, they're a simple case of "leave them alone and they'll leave you alone". 

The second, and frankly most valid, concern is the environmental harm that could be inflicted by these menacing little pests, it is the more likely reason for one to call an Atlanta pest control company. This is an area in which earwigs truly do pose a potential threat. While they are generally scavengers, some are omnivorous or even predatory. Strangely, the "dangerous" ones in this scenario are the omnivores. They would be the ones responsible for feeding on any produce which may be out in the open. The other concern would be for any potted plants that may be on display throughout the home. These plots of soil are a perfect breeding ground for earwigs to lay their eggs, as they are only interested in laying eggs in such locations. This is where the potential for infestation lies. 

Infestation: a word any homeowner dreads. This is the main reason to take any and all preventative measures. While earwigs may not be particularly harmful in terms of physical injury, they can still stir quite the commotion if allowed to infiltrate and nest. So be sure to take precaution this summer. Do your research and determine the most effective and efficient ways to prevent earwigs from coming into your home or alternately, find out the quickest way to be rid of them if they've already found their way inside.