Can I Get Termites in the Fall or Winter?

Termites can infest homes in Albuquerque NM all year long - Pest Defense Solutions

Some pests are less active in the winter months. That’s not always the case for termites, unfortunately. While termites tend to swarm in the spring and summer, they are active throughout the entire year. Queen termites continue to lay eggs and colonies will continue to grow this time of year, making it important to stay as proactive about preventing them as always. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home or property in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. The team at Pest Defense Solutions knows how distressing it can be to discover a termite problem any time of the year in your Albuquerque area home, which is why we’re here to help.

What Are Termites Doing in the Fall & Winter?

Termite colonies are hard at work in the fall and winter as they are any other time of the year. The queens will continually lay eggs. This means that termite colonies will not only stay active but continue to grow during the fall and winter. Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to the four-year-old colony can cause damage to your property at any time of the year.

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. While this might be the case, it’s still important to look for signs of termites and the damage they cause.

What are the Signs of Fall Termite Infestations?

An infestation can fester for years before ever showing signs of damage on your property. This is precisely why termites are such a feared pest. This fall and all year long, keep your eyes peeled for the following signs of termites and their damage:

  • Discolored drywall
  • Loose tiles
  • Bubbled or buckling floors
  • Holes in drywall
  • Crumbling wood
  • Hollow windows and/or doors
  • Shed swarmer wings
  • Termite frass (feces)

How to Prevent Fall Termite Problems

Termites are a common pest all year long here in Albuquerque, making it important to protect your home from them all year long! Pest Defense Solutions has a number of termite treatment options to keep you safe from these wood-destroying pests not just in the fall but throughout the year. Contact our termite exterminators today to learn more!

How to Keep Rodents Away This Fall

Rodents infest homes in Albuquerque NM in the fall - Pest Defense Solutions

Every year when the seasons change, pest infestations spike. This is especially true for rodents, who get indoors to escape the seasonal changes outdoors in Albuquerque. Like any other type of pest, they will seek out warmth, shelter, and food inside your home. Rats and mice inside aren’t just a nuisance, they’re dangerous too! Not only are rodents destructive, but they can also spread germs and disease as well. The team at Pest Defense Solutions knows how important it is to keep your family safe from rodents. We also know you want to feel comfortable in your home and enjoy the fall season without worrying about an infestation in your home! Read on to learn our top tips to keep rodents away this fall and all year long.

How Do Rats and Mice Get Inside?

The good news is that it’s rather easy to tell when you have rats or mice in your home. Rodents will take shelter in the attic, basement, and garage. They also will infest kitchens, laundry rooms, and are highly likely to invade your trash cans if given the chance. Mice are able to squeeze through tiny openings, jump, and build nests in just about any room you can imagine. A rat or mouse problem often begins when the rodents get in through your chimney, pipes, air vents, and more. Once they’re indoors, they can easily spread and cause damage wherever they go.

5 Ways to Keep Rodents Away For Good

Rodents can get inside easily. It’s important to not only stop their chances of succeeding but also to make your property less attractive to them. Our top tips to prevent rats and mice this fall include:

  1. Cover all vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  2. Use a tight-fitting lid on your trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  3. Protect your eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.
  4. Store food and items properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  5. Seal cracks and crevices. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.

Fall Rodent Infestations in Albuquerque

No one wants to deal with an infestation in the fall, especially rodents! Rats and mice alike can spread germs, chew through wires, and cause destruction. If you think you have a rodent problem or want to prevent one altogether, the rats and mice control team at Pest Defense Solutions can help. Contact us today to learn about our rodent prevention services!

How to Prevent Dangerous Fall Spiders

The brown recluse spider is one of many dangerous spiders in Albuquerque NM - Pest Defense Solutions

In Albuquerque, spiders are one of the most common pests throughout the entire year. Spiders are usually harmless, but they can be a nuisance when they are in the home—or dangerous when you spot one of the more venomous species. Spider populations peak in the late summer and early fall, which is why you may be seeing more spiders indoors more than ever right now! Spiders get inside to escape the heat and to seek out shelter, food, and water. Although most house spiders aren’t going to be of harm, it’s important to learn how to identify the black widow and brown recluse spider. Keep reading for expert info from the spider pest control pros at Pest Defense Solutions.

Black Widow vs Brown Recluse Infographic - Pest Defense Solutions in Albuquerque NMSpiders in Albuquerque Homes

Like any other pest, spiders can get inside through the tiniest of cracks in your home. Broken screens or crevices in your doors and windows often let spiders in. An unkempt yard or lawn will also invite spiders to spin webs and take up residence on your property. You may also notice more spiders when you have other bugs and insects in your property. Spiders will be more drawn to properties that provide them with shelter and food (bugs) inside. Preventing spiders also means preventing the bugs and insects they’re drawn to.

What Spiders are More Dangerous?

The black widow and brown recluse spiders are dangerous any time of year, but are often seeing in or around your home in August and September. Both of these spiders will only bite when they feel threatened, but it’s still important to learn how to identify them:

  1. Brown recluse spiders. These spiders have a darker brown violin-shaped mark on their brown bodies. They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter. A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.
  2. Black widows. These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body. They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground. They can bite when they feel threatened.

Fall Spider Control

Seeing one or two spiders inside your home or business is normal. However, if you see spiders on the daily or if you spot more dangerous spiders, it’s best to enlist the expertise of a spider pest control company such as Pest Defense Solutions. Our team can help control any active infestation as well as prevent future spiders!