Winter callbacks often come in sounding familiar:
“We’re hearing activity again.”
“The problem is back.”
“I think the mice are still here.”
But experienced PMPs know the truth—not every winter callback is actually rodents.
In many cases, what clients are noticing is insect activity or secondary pests that were never identified in the first place. Without the right monitoring tools in place, assumptions can lead to misdiagnosis, wasted time, and unnecessary follow-up visits.
The Winter Callback Misconception
Cold weather increases sensitivity inside buildings. Quieter environments, tighter occupancy patterns, and heightened awareness make clients more likely to notice any movement or activity. Common culprits behind “rodent” callbacks include:
- Cockroaches seeking warmth near equipment and plumbing
- Stored product pests active in pantries or break rooms
- Spiders or occasional invaders displaced by temperature changes
- Secondary insects feeding on existing organic material
To a client, movement is movement. To a PMP, identifying the true source is what really matters.
Why Assumptions Cost Time (and Credibility)
When callbacks are treated as rodent-only issues:
- Technicians may over-adjust rodent placements unnecessarily
- Insect activity can continue to be unchecked
- Root causes remain unresolved
- Documentation becomes unclear
The result? More service time is spent chasing the wrong problem, which can also cause clients to feel like the issue is “never fully fixed.”
Sticky Traps Reveal What’s Really Happening
This is where sticky traps become invaluable diagnostic tools, not just insect monitors.
Placed strategically, sticky traps help PMPs:
- Confirm whether activity is rodent-related or not
- Identify insect species present indoors during winter
- Pinpoint hot spots near walls, equipment, or entry points
- Separate perception from reality using physical evidence
Instead of guessing, PMPs can respond with confidence—and precision.
Kness® Stick-All® insect traps are designed to support this exact need: clear, consistent insight with minimal disruption.
Why they work so well during winter callbacks:
- Strong, long-lasting adhesive captures a wide range of insects
- Neutral design fits easily into existing monitoring programs
- Quick visual checks speed up inspections
- Reliable performance even when service intervals stretch
By deploying Stick-All traps alongside rodent control measures, PMPs gain a fuller picture of indoor pest activity—without adding complexity to the route.
Better Data = Better Decisions
Winter callbacks don’t always mean failure. Often, they’re a signal that monitoring needs to be broader. Using sticky traps as part of your winter strategy allows you to:
- Diagnose issues accurately the first time
- Reduce unnecessary follow-up visits
- Strengthen client trust with clear findings
- Protect spring programs from unresolved pest pressure
The Takeaway
Not every sound, sighting, or concern in winter points to rodents. Sticky traps help PMPs move beyond assumptions and identify what’s actually happening inside the structure.
Find the real issue faster—and fix it right the first time.