Common Winter Pests & How to Keep Them Out

As the weather turns colder, many pests seek warmth and shelter indoors, making your home a prime destination. Winter pests can be more than a nuisance—they can cause structural damage and pose health risks. From rodents to spiders, knowing which pests to watch for and how to prevent them from entering can help keep your home comfortable and safe this season. Here’s a guide to common winter pests and practical steps to keep them out.

Mice and Rats

Mice and rats are some of the most notorious winter pests, searching for food, warmth, and nesting spots as outdoor conditions become unfavorable. Once inside, they can cause extensive damage by chewing through walls, wires, and insulation. The damage to wiring alone can increase the risk of electrical fires, while their droppings and urine can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.

To keep these rodents out, begin by sealing any potential entry points around your home. Mice, in particular, can squeeze through tiny openings as small as a dime. Inspect for gaps around doors, windows, and foundation cracks, and seal them with weather-resistant caulking or steel wool, which rodents find difficult to chew through. Additionally, store food properly in sealed containers and promptly clean up spills or crumbs to avoid attracting rodents. Minimizing clutter, especially in storage areas like basements and attics, is also essential, as rodents love to nest in piles of boxes and insulation. Set traps along suspected entry points, and consider professional rodent control if the issue persists.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are drawn to warm, moist environments and often enter homes in search of food. Winter conditions drive them indoors, where they find ample sustenance in kitchens, bathrooms, and other warm spaces. These pests are more than just unsettling; cockroaches carry bacteria that can contaminate surfaces and food, potentially causing foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions.

To keep cockroaches at bay, maintaining cleanliness is key. Regularly clean kitchen counters, sweep floors, and take out the trash to eliminate potential food sources. Make sure to store pet food securely and limit overnight water sources, as cockroaches can survive without food longer than without water. Fix any leaks in sinks, pipes, and faucets, as cockroaches thrive in damp environments. Sealing cracks around plumbing, windows, and doors will make it harder for cockroaches to slip inside. For severe infestations, professional pest control can offer targeted treatments to control and prevent roach problems.

Spiders

Many spiders move indoors during winter to escape the cold and find prey. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other insects, their webs and presence can be unsettling. Certain species, such as the brown recluse and black widow, are venomous and require careful handling if spotted indoors.

To discourage spiders from settling in, reduce clutter in storage spaces like basements, garages, and closets, as these areas provide ample hiding places. Regular vacuuming helps by removing webs, egg sacs, and spiders you might not otherwise notice. Additionally, sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping and caulking will help keep spiders from sneaking in through tiny openings. Place sticky traps in dark corners to catch spiders and other crawling pests. If venomous spiders are a recurring problem, consult a pest control professional for safe removal options.

Silverfish

Silverfish thrive in dark, damp places and are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. These insects feed on starchy materials, which means they can damage items like books, clothing, wallpaper, and even pantry items. Although silverfish are not directly harmful to humans, their presence can be unsettling and destructive to personal belongings.

To keep silverfish out, focus on controlling humidity levels in your home. Using a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms can make your home less inviting to silverfish. Store items like paper goods, clothing, and other starchy materials in sealed containers to protect them from damage. Ensure that cracks in walls, floors, and around plumbing are sealed, as silverfish can enter through these small spaces. Proper ventilation in storage areas and regular cleaning will further discourage silverfish from settling indoors.

Ants

Certain types of ants, including carpenter ants, may seek shelter indoors during winter. While some ants are simply looking for food sources, carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood, particularly in areas that have water damage or high moisture levels. These ants can be especially problematic if left unchecked, as their colonies expand within wooden structures, weakening them over time.

To keep ants out, start by eliminating potential food sources in your home. Clean up crumbs, wipe down surfaces, and store food securely in airtight containers. Block entryways by sealing gaps around doors, windows, and foundation walls to make it harder for ants to enter. Carpenter ants are especially attracted to moist wood, so it’s essential to repair any leaks or water-damaged areas that might attract them. Setting ant bait traps near suspected entry points can also help, but for severe cases, professional extermination might be necessary to eradicate indoor colonies.

Stink Bugs

While stink bugs don’t cause much damage, they can be a significant nuisance as they search for warmth indoors during the winter months. Known for their strong, unpleasant odor when crushed, stink bugs are notorious for gathering in large numbers, which can quickly become a problem if they find a way inside your home.

To keep stink bugs out, seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding with weatherstripping and caulking. Since stink bugs are attracted to light, reducing outdoor lighting around entry points can help deter them. If they do get inside, using a vacuum to remove them is an effective method that avoids releasing their odor. Remember to empty the vacuum immediately afterward, as the smell can linger. If stink bugs persist, a pest control expert can help by applying safe perimeter treatments around your home.

Squirrels

Squirrels may attempt to nest in attics and chimneys during the winter as they look for warmth and shelter. While these animals might seem cute outdoors, squirrels can cause significant indoor damage by chewing through insulation, wires, and wood. Left unchecked, a squirrel nest in your attic can lead to costly repairs and even potential fire hazards.

To prevent squirrels from accessing your home, install a chimney cap to block entry and use mesh to cover attic vents. Trim tree branches that are close to your roof, as these can provide easy access to your home. Squirrels are excellent climbers and often use trees to reach rooftops. If squirrels have already entered your attic, a professional pest control company can provide safe removal and advice on sealing entry points to prevent future invasions.

Eliminate Common Winter Pests With PPC

For comprehensive rodent control and peace of mind in Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Westlake, Avon, and Elyria, don’t hesitate to reach out to Prevent Pest Control. Our team of professionals is equipped to handle infestations of any size, providing tailored solutions to keep your home pest-free. Call us today at (440) 322-0887 or visit our website to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a pest-free home.