The weather in Florida is getting cooler.  Turner Pest Control wants to remind you that while this cooler weather may be a welcomed change for many homeowners, your routine pest control should not change.

A common mistake homeowner’s will make is to assume that there is no need for pest control in the winter because the cooler weather eliminates pests.  While colder temperatures may reduce some insect populations such as mosquitos, it is the time of year when homeowners will experience increased trouble with ants, cockroaches, mice, rats and other rodents that find a way inside of homes.

Turner Pest Control has been serving Jacksonville, FL for more than 40 years and our professional pest control technicians see the same thing each year.  Many pests, just like humans, will move to warmer locations as the temperatures drop.  Often this means they will move into your home.  Rodents are not the only unwelcome houseguests you may have during the winter, cockroaches, ants and termites may already be living inside your home safe from the cold temperatures.

Not only is it unpleasant to think you are sharing your home with mice, rodents, roaches, ants and termites, these pests can live undetected in your home. They carry diseases that put your family and pets at risk and they can cause costly damages to your home.  They can create exterior holes which expose your home to water damage and will increase your utility bills. One pest infestation in your home can lead to costly repairs for you, but this problem is preventable.

The accumulation of feces from mice and rats can spread bacteria, contaminate food sources and trigger allergic reactions in humans. Once the fecal matter becomes dry, it can be hazardous to those who breathe it in. Moreover, rodent droppings can spread diseases and viruses, including those listed below.

Hantavirus– Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by rodents—primarily, the white-footed deer mouse. People become infected through exposure or inhalation of infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, and the chances increase when people are near spaces where rodents are actively living.  Last year, ten people fell ill and three died from exposure to deer mice infected with Hantavirus after staying in tent cabins at Yosemite National Park. Early symptoms of the disease include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People may also experience headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems.

Bubonic Plague– Also known as the “Black Death”, the Plague is a highly contagious and often deadly disease notorious for killing one-third of the European population during the Middle Ages. Plague is usually spread by the bite of an infected rodent flea and can cause fever, headache and painfully swollen lymph nodes. A Colorado girl was infected with the Plague in 2012 after falling ill during a camping trip.

Salmonellosis– Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning spread by rodent feces, especially through the consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. Each year, approximately 40,000 cases of Salmonella are reported in the U.S., according to WebMD.

Rat-Bite Fever– Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a potentially fatal infectious disease spread by infected rodents or the consumption of food contaminated by rodents. The CDC says that symptoms usually occur 3-10 days after exposure to an infected source and include fever, vomiting, headaches, rash and muscle pain.

In addition to health risks, rodents can pose a significant property risk as they have a tendency to destroy insulation in attics and can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood and even electrical wiring. In fact, rodents cause up to 25 percent of house fires in the U.S. every year.

With rapid reproduction rates, rodents can quickly go from being unnoticeable to causing a full-blown infestation. Homeowners should look at prevention as the first line of defense again these pests and take steps to keep them out of the home. Even if you don’t think you have a pest problem, call Turner Pest Control for a free inspection. Turner Pest Control’s trained technicians can identify the early signs of pest control problems or locate potential pest entry points to prevent pests from entering your home.