When temperatures drop, it’s not just people who want to stay warm—winter pests start searching for shelter, food, and moisture. A winter pest invasion can begin quietly (a few droppings in the garage, scratching in the wall, or insects around windows) and quickly turn into a recurring problem if entry points and nesting areas aren’t addressed.
Below is a practical guide to what causes winter pest activity and how to protect your home with help from Thrive Pest Control.
Why winter pests invade homes
Most pests aren’t “disappearing” in winter—they’re relocating. Your home offers:
- Warmth: wall voids, attics, basements, and crawl spaces stay relatively stable in temperature
- Food: pantry goods, pet food, crumbs, trash, and bird seed stored near the house
- Moisture: leaking pipes, condensation, damp basements, and clogged gutters
- Safe nesting spots: insulation, storage boxes, clutter, and unused rooms
Once pests find a reliable indoor environment, they may stay active all season—and some can reproduce indoors.
Common winter invaders to watch for
A winter pest invasion can involve several types of pests, including:
Rodents (mice and rats)
Rodents are among the most common winter intruders. They can squeeze through small gaps, chew wiring, contaminate food, and leave droppings that pose health risks.
Spiders
Spiders often move indoors following other insects. You may see increased activity in basements, garages, and corners near storage areas.
Cockroaches
Roaches are attracted to warmth and moisture. Winter infestations can thrive in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms—especially where leaks or humidity exist.
Stink bugs and cluster flies
These pests often “overwinter” inside walls or attics and become noticeable on warmer winter days, commonly around windows and light fixtures.
Ants (in mild winter spells)
Some ants can remain active indoors if they find heat, water, and food—especially around sinks and pantry areas.
7 steps to prevent a winter pest invasion
Use this checklist to reduce pest pressure and stop new pests from getting inside:
- Seal entry points: caulk cracks, seal gaps around pipes, and repair siding/foundation openings
- Install door sweeps & weather stripping: especially on exterior and garage doors
- Store food properly: use sealed containers for pantry items and pet food
- Reduce clutter: cardboard, paper, and stored fabric make excellent nesting material
- Fix moisture issues: repair leaks, improve ventilation, and address damp basements/crawl spaces
- Clean up exterior attractants: move firewood away from the home and remove debris near the foundation
- Check attic/garage areas: these are prime spots for rodents and overwintering insects
When DIY isn’t enough: call Thrive Pest Control
If you’re noticing repeated sightings, scratching in walls, droppings, gnaw marks, or pests returning after cleaning and sealing what you can, it’s time for professional help. Effective winter pest control typically requires:
- Correct pest identification (rodent vs. roach vs. overwintering insects)
- Targeted treatments placed safely and strategically
- Exclusion recommendations to close off entry points
- Follow-up monitoring to prevent the problem from returning
Thrive Pest Control can help you stop a winter pest invasion at the source—so you’re not dealing with the same issue every cold season.