February is an interesting time for bugs in Gainesville and the surrounding areas in  Northern Virginia. Because we are still in winter, pest activity remains relatively low as many pests remain in their overwintering states. Some pests will move inside to escape cold and wet weather outdoors.

But temperatures are also starting to warm somewhat and a few pests may start to become more active in February and over the following months. Many of the bugs and rodents you are liable to see this time of year are occasional invaders. These pests tend to be less common causes of infestations in general, but are more likely to be the source of your problems during February.

Pests You are Most Likely to See in February

Although colder weather can often mean fewer pests, it can actually mean more pest problems. This is because people are often spending more time indoors and are therefore more likely to spot pests sharing their space. These pests may simply be a nuisance or they could create health challenges as many pests are responsible for spreading disease. These pests can be riskier in the winter as your home is closed up, bringing you into greater contact with bacteria and germs spread by pests.

Some of the pests that you are most likely to see this February include:

• Cockroaches – Cockroaches are a common winter pest. Although they are active all year long, they are more likely to move inside during the winter to escape cooler temperatures outside and find more reliable sources of food in your kitchen and trash. Cockroaches can spread a number of diseases so it is imperative to get rid of them as soon as possible.
• Rodents – Like roaches, mice, and rats are moving inside to find warm shelters and food. Rodents can be particularly destructive and create significant health risks. They also reproduce very quickly which can lead to a problem getting worse if you do not take fast action to get rid of mice and rats.
• Stink Bugs – Stink bugs will first become a problem in the fall when they moved into your home as temperatures started to drop. Now as the weather warms, they could emerge from their hiding places as they make their way back outside, causing an unpleasant odor as they go.
• Silverfish – Silverfish are another year long pest that you are more likely to spot in February because your home is providing a warm shelter and plenty of food. Silverfish will eat almost anything, move very quickly, and like dark spaces. This makes them hard to spot. If you see one you likely have plenty more living nearby.
• House Centipedes – House centipedes are carnivorous insects so they will help by eating other insects in your home. They will be inside as long as temperatures are cool and although they are harmless to humans, they can be unpleasant to share your space with.
• Ants – Ants are a common February and wintertime pest because the changing temperatures will shift their feeding patterns and prompt them to enter new homes to find sources of food inside homes. Heating from furnaces may also prompt ants to become more active, thinking that spring has come.

If pests become a problem in your home or business this February, you should take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible so pests cannot continue to get worse. Preparing now for warming temperatures this spring can also help prevent past problems later on.

The best way to do this is to address any existing problems now and use ongoing pest control from ExtermPRO to create a border around your home that will keep out all of these different pests and seal off their entry points. This will make it less likely that you will have to deal with wintertime pests or spring invaders this year. Get extermination services for seasonal February pests in Gainesville or get started with ongoing pest control by calling our team today.