While you’re bundling up for winter, some unwelcome houseguests are getting comfortable in your home. Unlike bears and butterflies, certain pests don’t believe in hibernation. They’re active 365 days a year, and winter actually makes your home more attractive to them.
The all-season troublemakers.
These pests aren’t taking a winter vacation:
Cockroaches: German cockroaches and American cockroaches thrive indoors year-round. They love your heated home, especially kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere with moisture and food access.
Ants: Odorous house ants and carpenter ants stay active all winter when they’re inside. They’ve found your food sources and aren’t giving them up.
Spiders: While they’re beneficial for catching other pests, spiders don’t hibernate. They’re still hunting in your corners, closets and basements.
Silverfish: These moisture-loving insects remain active in humid areas like bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms regardless of outdoor temperatures.
Pantry pests: Indian meal moths, flour beetles and grain beetles continue breeding in your stored foods throughout winter.
Why winter is actually prime time for treatment.
Cold weather concentrates pest populations indoors, making winter an ideal treatment opportunity. Here’s why:
Pests can’t escape. When temperatures drop, insects can’t flee outdoors to avoid treatment. They’re trapped inside where your pest control professional can address the infestation more effectively.
Populations are consolidated. Instead of spreading across your property, pests cluster in warm areas of your home. This concentration makes detection and treatment more efficient.
You’ll prevent spring explosions. Pests that survive winter will reproduce rapidly when spring arrives. Treating now means you’re eliminating breeding populations before they multiply.
Less competition for resources. With outdoor food sources limited, indoor pests are more likely to encounter bait stations and treatment areas as they search for sustenance.
Signs you’re hosting year-round pests.
Don’t assume winter means you’re pest-free. Watch for these indicators:
- Droppings in cabinets, drawers or along baseboards
- Live or dead insects in sinks, tubs or near drains
- Grease marks or smear patterns along walls where rodents travel
- Shed skins from cockroaches or other insects
- Unusual odors (cockroaches create a musty smell, odorous house ants smell like rotten coconut when crushed)
- Damaged food packaging in your pantry
- Small holes in walls, especially near pipes and utilities
Prevention strategies that work all year.
Keep pests out with consistent habits:
Seal entry points: Caulk cracks around pipes, repair torn screens and install door sweeps. Even tiny gaps invite pests inside.
Eliminate moisture: Fix leaky faucets, use dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure proper ventilation. Most household pests need water to survive.
Store food properly: Use airtight containers for pantry items, don’t leave pet food out overnight and clean up crumbs immediately.
Take out the trash: Use bins with tight-fitting lids and remove garbage regularly. Clean bins periodically to eliminate odor and residue.
Reduce clutter: Pests hide in stacks of newspapers, cardboard boxes and stored items. Keep storage areas organized and elevated off floors.
Clean consistently: Regular vacuuming, wiping counters and sweeping removes food particles and pest hiding spots.
When DIY isn’t cutting it.
Some infestations require professional intervention. Consider calling for help when:
- You’re seeing pests daily despite your prevention efforts
- You’ve tried store-bought products without success
- You’re finding pests in multiple rooms
- You’re dealing with cockroaches or carpenter ants (both can cause serious problems if left untreated)
- You want preventive treatment to avoid future issues
Professional pest control creates a barrier that keeps new pests from entering while eliminating existing populations. Regular service means you’re protected year-round, not just reacting when you spot a problem.
The bottom line.
Winter doesn’t mean pest-free living. While outdoor pests may be dormant, indoor invaders are active and comfortable in your heated home. The good news? Winter’s concentrated populations make this an excellent time for effective treatment.
Don’t let year-round pests settle in permanently. Call 800-BUGS-911 or text 800-284-7911 for a free quote and protect your home in every season. Or fill out a quick contact form and schedule a free home pest inspection today.