Cold drives pests indoors
Reno's high-desert climate has cold winters; Washoe County's residential design criteria use a 17°F winter design temperature, and NOAA's engineering weather data for the Reno airport records about 123 freeze-thaw cycles a year. As fall nights get cold, mice and other rodents look for warm shelter, and homes with gaps at the foundation, garage door and roofline are easy targets. Fall is the best time to seal entry points before rodents move in.
Rodent proofing for high-desert homes
Common entry points in Reno-area homes include gaps under garage doors, openings where pipes and wires enter walls, foundation vents with damaged screens, and gaps at eaves and roof vents. Garages often connect directly to living space through gaps around doors and utility lines. A thorough exclusion job seals those openings with metal mesh, hardware cloth and durable sealants. Snap traps inside the house remove rodents that are already in. Keep birdseed, pet food and stored food in sealed containers, especially in garages.
Dry summers and insects
Reno's dry summers push ants and other insects toward water sources. Leaking irrigation, condensation from air conditioners and evaporative coolers, and pet water bowls attract them. Fixing leaks and drips is often as effective as treatment. Wasps and yellowjackets are active in summer and early fall, nesting under eaves, in sheds and in the ground. Nests near doors and play areas are best handled by professionals.
Spiders
Spiders are common in garages, basements and window wells in the Reno area. Most are harmless, but a few species can bite. Reducing clutter, sealing gaps, using yellow or sodium-vapor-style outdoor lighting that attracts fewer insects, and controlling the insects spiders feed on reduce their numbers. If you're concerned about a particular spider, a pest control technician can identify it.
Large temperature swings
The National Weather Service notes Reno's large swings from day to night. Insects shelter in walls, attics and crawlspaces to escape both heat and cold. Sealing cracks and gaps in the building envelope helps on both counts and also improves energy efficiency.
Crawlspaces and moisture
Many Reno homes have crawlspaces. Leaks and poor ventilation in a crawlspace attract moisture-loving pests and can lead to wood decay. Check crawlspaces for standing water, damp insulation and droppings, and fix the cause of any moisture.
Before you hire
Ask Reno pest control contractors what pest they've identified and how it's getting in, what products they'll use and what precautions to take for kids and pets, and what follow-up is included. Look up the company with the Nevada State Contractors Board; Nevada also requires pest control businesses to hold a license from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Wildlife near the foothills
Homes near Reno's foothills and open space sometimes deal with larger animals, such as raccoons or skunks, under decks and sheds. Secure trash, remove pet food from outdoors and seal openings under structures. Ask whether the contractor handles wildlife or can refer you to someone who does.