When winter rolls around, most of us look forward to cozy nights indoors, warm blankets, and hot drinks. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones seeking shelter from the cold. As temperatures drop outside, many pests are also looking for a safe, warm place to ride out the chill—your home. Some of these pests might be more active than you'd expect, even in the middle of winter, and can quickly turn your peaceful haven into a battleground. But don’t worry! With a little knowledge and some proactive steps, you can keep these winter pests at bay.

Here are five common winter pests you might encounter in your home and practical tips on how to handle them.

1. Spiders: The Silent Winter Invaders

Spiders are among the most common pests you’ll encounter during the winter. They’re not as active as they are in warmer months, but they’ll still make an appearance in search of warmth and food. Many spiders, like the common house spider or the brown recluse, can be found hiding in the corners of your home or inside closets and basements.

Why They Come In:
Spiders generally seek shelter from the cold in dark, quiet places within your home. They're also drawn to areas where they can find food—mainly other insects. Spiders aren’t particularly dangerous, but they can give you a fright, especially if you accidentally stumble upon one while reaching for something on a shelf.

How to Handle Them:

• Seal Entry Points: Spiders can squeeze through even the tiniest cracks. Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and vents to keep them from getting inside.

• Remove Webs Regularly: Keep your home spider-free by vacuuming up webs and regularly cleaning out corners or areas that spiders like to inhabit.

• Use Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus oils, are natural spider repellents. Consider using these oils in a spray bottle diluted with water to spritz areas where spiders tend to hang out.

• Schedule a Pest Inspection: If you notice a significant spider presence or webs in places you can’t reach, it might be time to call in a professional pest control expert like Valley Wide Pest Control to inspect your home and ensure its spider-free.

2. Ants: Not Just a Summer Problem

Ants might seem like a pest problem that only arises in the summer, but they can be a major nuisance in winter as well. During colder months, many species of ants (including the common odorous house ant and carpenter ants) move indoors to seek food and warmth.

Why They Come In:
Ants typically seek warmth and shelter in winter, often heading straight for food sources inside your kitchen or pantry. Carpenter ants, in particular, will seek out moist wood areas to build their nests.

How to Handle Them:

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Ants can enter your home through the tiniest of openings. Inspect your home for cracks in walls, around windows, or gaps in doorways, and seal them to prevent entry.

• Keep Food Sealed: Ants are drawn to food. Store pantry items in airtight containers, wipe up crumbs immediately, and make sure garbage is taken out regularly.

• Eliminate Moisture: Carpenter ants are attracted to damp wood. If you have a leaky roof, faucet, or basement, fix the issue to keep ants from nesting in your home.

• Use Bait Traps: If ants have already made their way into your home, ant bait traps can be effective in controlling their population. The ants take the bait back to the colony, which can help eliminate the problem at its source.

3. Cockroaches: The Winter Survivors

Cockroaches are tough pests that can thrive in almost any condition, and winter is no exception. These resilient insects are known for their ability to adapt to various environments, and if your home provides warmth and food, it’s a perfect spot for them to survive.

Why They Come In:
Cockroaches are drawn to homes in the winter because they need warmth and moisture to survive. They can hide in cracks in walls, basements, under sinks, and even inside appliances like dishwashers or microwaves.

How to Handle Them:

• Clean Regularly: Cockroaches are scavengers that thrive on crumbs, grease, and food scraps. Make sure to clean all kitchen surfaces, especially under appliances, and keep food sealed in airtight containers.

• Fix Leaks: Cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so fix any leaks in your plumbing or faucets to eliminate their water source.

• Seal Entry Points: Just like with ants and spiders, sealing cracks and crevices around your home will prevent cockroaches from sneaking in.

• Call in Professionals: Cockroach infestations can quickly get out of hand. If you notice cockroaches in your home, call a professional pest control company like Valley Wide Pest Control to handle the problem with targeted treatments that can eliminate the infestation.

4. Mice: The Sneaky Winter Guest

Mice are notorious for seeking shelter indoors during winter. With their ability to slip through small gaps and their love for warmth, these furry little pests can easily become uninvited guests in your home.

Why They Come In:
Mice are driven inside by the cold temperatures outside. They seek food and warmth, often finding their way into kitchens, pantries, and even attics or crawl spaces. Mice are also great at hiding, making them difficult to detect until the damage is done.

How to Handle Them:

• Seal Entry Points: Mice can fit through holes as small as a dime, so inspect your home carefully and seal up any gaps around doors, windows, and pipes.

• Set Traps: Snap traps or live traps can be effective in catching mice. If you’re using snap traps, place them along walls or behind appliances where mice tend to travel.

• Remove Food Sources: Just like with ants, storing food in airtight containers and cleaning up crumbs will help eliminate the attraction for mice.

• Call a Professional: If you suspect a larger infestation, it’s best to call in the experts. Valley Wide Pest Control offers effective rodent control services to handle your mouse problem and prevent future infestations.

5. Cluster Flies: The Unwelcome Winter Visitors

Cluster flies are a pest that tends to make an appearance in winter, although they aren’t as commonly talked about as other winter pests. These flies are known for their habit of gathering in clusters on walls and windows during colder months.

Why They Come In:
Cluster flies are typically drawn into homes when the weather cools down. They often make their way inside through cracks or crevices, seeking warmth and shelter. Once inside, they tend to hide in attics, wall voids, or behind furniture.

How to Handle Them:

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: To prevent cluster flies from entering your home, make sure to seal any cracks around windows, doors, and vents.

• Use Fly Traps: Place fly traps or fly paper in areas where you’ve seen cluster flies to catch them before they spread throughout your home.

• Vacuum Them Up: If you find cluster flies in your home, use a vacuum to remove them. Be sure to dispose of the bag immediately to prevent them from re-entering your home.

Conclusion

Winter brings with it a cozy atmosphere, but it also invites a variety of pests into your home. From spiders to mice, the pests that come indoors during winter can cause all kinds of problems if left unchecked. By being proactive—sealing cracks, cleaning regularly, and calling in pest control professionals like Valley Wide Pest Control—you can keep these winter invaders at bay and enjoy a warm, pest-free home all season long. If you’ve noticed an increase in pests or have a persistent problem, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Valley Wide Pest Control for a thorough inspection and effective treatment solutions. Stay ahead of the pests, and enjoy a stress-free winter!