Where Do Pests Go in Winter, and How Do I Keep Them Out?

Unlike spring and summer, when the world seems like it’s teeming with insect life, the cold of winter is quiet and still. The drop in temperature has a dramatic effect on pests, as they employ a handful of techniques to help them survive winter.

The pests that winter over in our climate, such as roaches or spiders, as well as rodents, have developed ways to ensure the survival of their species. Some do die off, leaving their eggs, larvae, or pupae underground, under leaves, and in other sheltered places for a new generation to begin anew in spring. Others, such as ladybugs or wasps, hibernate in the eaves and attics of barns and houses or under logs and rocks.

Pests That Winter Over in Our Homes

Some pests, much to the dismay of homeowners, find all the food, water, and warmth they need in the attics, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens of our homes.

Rodents are one of the most common pests to sneak into our homes. Rats and mice are agile and can squeeze their way through an opening the size of a quarter or dime, respectively. Creating nests in dark, secluded areas, rodents not only cause serious damage as they gnaw their way through walls and wires, but also contaminate the food in our pantries.

Cockroaches are another common pest that makes our homes theirs. They like to congregate near moisture, so be on the lookout for them near bathroom and kitchen pipes and behind appliances that create condensation.

Carpenter ants are not a health hazard, but they will cause household damage as they eat wood from the inside out.

Brown recluse and black widow spiders are not pests you want to come in contact with, as they are venomous. They like the dark, undisturbed areas of your home, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and closets. Black widow and brown recluse spiders can be found in cardboard storage boxes and even among seldom-worn clothing and shoes.

Getting Rid of Winter Pests

The best way to keep these pests out of your home is to seal all gaps in foundations, doors, and windows, keep food in sealed plastic containers, repair all leaks, and keep your home counters, pantries, and floors free of crumbs and debris.

But sometimes, these pests find their way in no matter how careful you are. Ecola has eco and family-friendly solutions for getting rid of winter pests.

• TAP Insulation is a great preventative for keeping pests out and heat in. Blown into attics on top of existing insulation, it contains borates. So when roaches, ants, termites, and other bugs groom themselves, they ingest the borates and die.
• Rodent Exclusion begins with a free Ecola inspection. During exclusion, entry points into your home will be sealed, traps will be checked weekly, and fecal matter and urine will be removed.
• Fumigation can effectively rid a home of an extensive termite infestation if more localized or less invasive methods are insufficient.

Ecola is dedicated to protecting your home as well as helping provide a pest-free environment for you, your family, and your pets. Call Ecola at 800 471-BUGS (2847) to get your free pest inspection so you can spend your winter pest-free.