Many times, the type of pest to be on the look out for depends on the season. Believe it or not, pests can be seasonal creatures that come and go. With cold weather slowly approaching, keep in mind that we humans aren’t the only ones in need of a warm shelter to survive the cold. Here are 3 pests to be aware of during the fall and winter seasons.

1. Roof Rats

Also known as black rats, these rats can easily be identified by their large ears and long tails that are usually longer than their body. They tend to seek shelter in areas higher off the ground like trees and, you guessed it, attics. They are fantastic climbers and love to nibble on the fruit of citrus trees. These roof rats can become quite annoying once you start to hear their squeaking noises and finding their droppings all over your home.

2. The Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spiders

To these spiders, among others, there is no better place to find warmth and shelter than your home. They are experts at finding the perfect secluded spot, like your basement, attic, garage, or under patio furniture. Believe it or not, there are said to be 22 different species of black widows living all around Arizona. Unfortunately, they pack a painful bite and can be harmful to you, your children, and pets.

3. Cockroaches

There are many different types of cockroaches in the Phoenix area and all over Arizona. These pets carry a multitude of disease-producing bacteria like streptococcus, E. coli, and salmonella. This means that any food they come in contact with is contaminated and can make the consumer extremely sick. They produce a terrible odor that gets increasingly worse the longer the infestation goes on. In addition, the feces they leave behind has even been known to trigger allergies and asthma in humans.