Where Do Pests Go During the Winter?

Contrary to the popular myth that pests die off during the winter, many common household pests are year-round nuisances for New York homeowners. So, if they’re not dying off…where are these pests going?

Here are a few of the most common explanations.

Rodents Stay Close to Food Sources

When it gets cold outside, rodents like mice and rats will enter homes for warmth and convenient access to food. Rodents are scavengers, so they’ll eat just about anything; in your pantry, they’ll particularly opt for grains and cereals, so it’s always a good idea to store food in airtight containers, just in the case of rodent intruders.

Mice and rats are strong chewers, so if they do get inside your home, they may gnaw on more than just your box of Cheerios in the cabinet; they’ll also chew support beams, storage boxes, electrical wires, and insulation, often leading to costly, dangerous damages.

As temperatures drop, one of the most effective ways to keep rodents out, in addition to a regular pest control program, is by identifying and sealing off any cracks, gaps, or holes in the exterior of your home which could be serving as entry points for critters seeking shelter and food.

Wildlife Will Seek Warmth Inside Your Home

Similarly to mice and rats, wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and opossums may seek shelter in your home to keep warm and protect themselves from the elements.

When wildlife enters your home, it may cause damage to walls or flooring. Additionally, you should be aware that some wild animals carry diseases that may be transmitted if you encounter them (such as rabies). To prevent this scenario from occurring, inspect any openings around your foundation before winter sets in so that drafts don’t let pests inside next year. Make sure to seal any holes with caulk or steel wool immediately after discovering them!

Insects Will Move Indoors for Basic Survival Necessities

Insects are cold-blooded, meaning they regulate their temperature by moving in and out of the sun when it’s hot or cold. When temperatures drop too low for them to survive outdoors, many will seek refuge inside your home. This is especially true if you live in an area that gets below-freezing temperatures during much of the winter season. In fact, some pest species can survive even colder temperatures than that!

Many types of cockroaches can withstand subzero temperatures for short periods of time as long as they have access to shelter with a protected food supply. Other pests like termites can even go into a state called diapause during severe weather events, allowing them to wait out seasonal shifts until conditions improve again.

Keep in mind that pests don’t just get into your home during the spring…often they’ve been waiting out the cooler months inside your home already, and in the spring, they will multiply quickly, potentially causing pest infestations inside your home.

Knock Out Pests Year-Round

As you can see, pests don’t just “disappear” during the winter, and the best way to prevent an unexpected pest infestation in the spring is to have a professional exterminator’s eye on your home throughout the year.

For help knocking out pests 365 days of a year, reach out to the Knockout Pest Control team at (800) 244-7378 for an estimate.