9 Common Pests That Invade Homes in Winter

When you think of guests stopping by your home this winter for a cozy visit, you probably aren’t thinking of unwelcome pests and critters. However, many pests invade homes in winter months looking for the warmth needed to survive cold weather. Knowing what winter pests to watch for, and what you can do to prevent household infestations, can help you protect your home against potential intruders.

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Beware of These 9 Seasonal Pests That Invade Homes in Winter

People often associate annoying pests with the hot summer months, but the following bugs, rodents and animals are often found causing trouble in homes during winter months.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are around all year but can become especially aggravating during the winter. They’re drawn to heat and moisture, which attracts them to your home when the outdoor temperature drops. They can irritate allergies and asthma, and this can be a bigger problem during the winter when your home is closed up. Cockroaches are most likely found in kitchens and basements or hiding in dark or damp areas of your house.

Mice

Natural food sources and dry nesting areas become scarce during the winter, leading mice to invade human homes. These tiny rodents can slip through small cracks and under doors. Although they may be cute, they carry diseases and can also cause extensive damage in your home by chewing wires or tearing up insulation and household items for nesting materials. Because they reproduce quickly, a few mice can quickly turn into a rodent infestation.

Rats

Larger rodents such as rats also seek refuge in the winter. Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are common in the United States and love to move into basements and crawl spaces. They're strong chewers, and an infestation can result in structural damage when they chew through wood and other materials.

Ants

Ants are indoor pests in winter and summer. While they’re attracted to food in a home year-round, a lack of food outdoors during the winter can drive colonies into kitchens, pantries and storage areas.

Other Insects

Many insects hibernate or die off when the weather gets cold, leaving eggs behind to hatch in the spring. But some insects, such as stink bugs and beetles, move into attics and storage areas. They continue their life cycle throughout the winter within your home. Moths and houseflies may lay eggs inside the house, causing an annoying bug infestation throughout the winter as they hatch.

Spiders, Including the Brown Recluse

Spiders make their way indoors for warmth or to prey on common winter household bugs. Most spiders are harmless and may even help control other pesky bugs. However, some spiders, such as the brown recluse, can be harmful to humans and pets.

Raccoons

Raccoons may be looking for food, warmth or a place to safely raise babies born late in the summer. Because they're excellent climbers, they often find their way into chimneys or get into attics via vents and other small openings. Unfortunately, these animals can cause significant damage to insulation and stored items. They can also carry germs and parasites.

Termites

Termites can stay active in a heated structure and pose a year-round threat to your home. They often go unnoticed until there's significant damage, so you shouldn't forget about them because it's winter and cold outside. If you notice signs of termites, it's best to schedule a termite inspection now rather than waiting until spring.

Skunks, Opossums and Squirrels

These outdoor pests cause trouble in both urban and rural areas, but many people tend to think of them as only an outdoor problem. They do tend to stay outside but can find their way into homes just like other pests. If the weather is particularly harsh, they may seek shelter in your home, especially if they’re able to access a seldom-used spot such as a crawl space or garage. Although these critters may be less common than other winter household pests, they can cause significant damage to your home and belongings if they get inside.

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Protecting Your Home From Winter Pests

You can protect yourself from pests that invade homes in the winter using several methods. First, perform these routine maintenance tasks to help keep pests from gaining access to your home:

• Seal gaps or cracks around doors, windows and the foundation.

• Repair water leaks and consider running a dehumidifier in damp areas, as many pests are attracted to moisture as well as heat.

• Make sure attic and roof vent covers are securely attached and without gaps, and consider installing a screen over the chimney opening.

• Since many winter home invaders are looking for food, maintaining a clean home can help with pest prevention. Keep food sealed in airtight containers, and clean up messes and crumbs right away. Bugs and rodents love to eat garbage, so be sure to take out your trash often and place it in secure bins.

• Trim tree branches away from your house, avoid storing firewood against exterior walls and clear debris away from the foundation to help keep pests from finding their way inside.

• Finally, consider scheduling routine inspections with a home pest control or maintenance professional who can help you identify issues you may have overlooked and offer winter pest control solutions.