Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
Winter is coming, eventually, although it’s hard to think about it when temperatures are still soaring here in Tennessee. Are your home and AC unit protected from pests? Pests will be looking for a safe and warm place to hibernate during the winter. Your home or AC unit could be at risk! Find out what to look for and how to prevent damage to your HVAC unit.
Rodents
Rodents are known to destroy AC units during the winter. These outdoor units make a great spot for nesting and escaping the winter elements. Rodents such as mice, raccoons, rats, opossums, and squirrels have been known to set up camp in outdoor AC units during winter months. Since they can squeeze through small cracks and openings, they also can make their way into attics or crawlspaces to nest in walls or ductwork. This could cause a considerable amount of damage to your ductwork, as well as pose as a fire hazard if one of the rodents decides to gnaw on any nearby electrical wiring. It’s not just their physical damage, such as fire hazards, that is the only concern, but their fecal matter and urine can be dangerous for your health, exacerbating health problems. The worst part is if one of these rodents gets stuck and dies, the foul smell could linger for weeks!
Ants
Ants can cause a serious problem to your AC unit, even destroying it entirely. During the spring, they are attracted to the condenser’s acidity, which actually kills them, causing the release of alarm pheromones that alert other ants. It could quickly escalate into causing the ants to clog your condenser or short-circuiting the entire unit. It’s best to have the AC unit inspected toward the end of the season, before gearing up for spring-time use.
Wasps
Wasps like to build their nests indoors or in sheltered areas during the winter. Despite what most people believe, that many insects die off during the winter, that simply isn’t true. Instead, they just go dormant, waiting to rear their ugly heads in the spring. Vents and ductwork are prime spots for wasps to build their nests to escape the winter elements. They are most active during the fall as they look for places to build their nests. Removing wasps should only be done by a professional because it is dangerous and could pose a serious health risk, especially to anyone allergic to them.
How to tell if you have a pest problem
It can be difficult to recognize a pest problem until an infestation has already occurred, which usually means extensive damage has been done. If you discover any of these signs of pests, your HVAC unit and your home could be at risk of a pest invasion. Call a pest control company in Cordova, such as AAA Termite & Pest Control at (901) 737-7378 for a consultation or evaluation of your home. We can design a customized pest solutions package to keep your home, and your HVAC unit safe from pests. It’s also a good idea to keep your outdoor AC unit clean and tidy by removing weeds or dead grass away from the unit.
Signs that you have company:
- Bad or foul smells
- Sounds coming from walls, attic, or crawlspace (skittering, squeaking, gnawing, or grinding)
- Pest droppings around your home or the AC unit
- Allergy problems that develop or worsen
- Your AC or heating unit isn’t working as usual
The best pest control is prevention. While you may be tempted to spray store-bought pest solutions around your home or into the air vents, don’t. This could be dangerous as you and your family would inhale these hazardous fumes. Instead, contact us for assistance. We provide termite and pest control services to homes and businesses in Cordova and Memphis, Tennessee.