Winter has a way of pushing everything inside – people, pets and, unfortunately, rodents wildlife and a host of bugs. Many people assume colder temperatures slow pest activity, but the truth is that winter is prime time for rodents, spiders, cockroaches and other critters seeking warmth, food and cozy hiding spots.
A quick winter reality check
– Your warm, food‑filled home is prime real estate for pests.
– Sealed houses can inadvertently hold droppings, dander and allergens from pests that have made themselves at home.
– Early detection beats costly cleanup. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, grease trails, webbing or damaged packaging as signs of pest activity.
– Early intervention, especially when supported with 24/7 digital monitoring, helps prevent costly problems, reduces the need for biocides and supports environmentally sustainable pest control methods by stopping problems before they escalate.
Top winter Intruders — fast facts and simple fixes
Rodents (mice and rats)
Rodents are the most frequent winter intruders and are known carriers of illnesses such as the hantavirus, salmonellosis and leptospirosis, which are spread through their droppings and urine and often go unnoticed.
How they get in: They squeeze through dime‑size holes, nest in insulation and wall voids, chew wires and contaminate surfaces, often silently.
DIY Treatments: Seal gaps around pipes, vents and foundations; store food in airtight containers; clear cluttered storage.
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Wildlife (squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks)
Squirrels, raccoons and chipmunks are surprisingly common winter houseguests. These animals cause extensive structural damage while introducing parasites, bacteria and ticks into living spaces. Raccoons are associated with rabies, which poses serious health threats when they gain access to your home.
How they get in: Attics, chimneys and rooflines are cozy winter hideouts.
DIY Treatment: Inspect rooflines, secure chimneys/vents, trim tree branches and remove pet food and birdseed at night.
Cockroaches
Cold weather drives cockroaches deeper indoors. Cockroaches are a major public health concern. Their droppings, saliva and shed skins are known asthma triggers and can contaminate surfaces with harmful bacteria.
How they get in: Heat, moisture and food entice cockroaches to enter through pipes and cracks.
DIY treatment: Deep‑clean hidden food crumbs, fix leaks and seal wall/floor gaps.
Spiders
Spiders are less about health risks and more about what they signal. While most species are harmless, their presence indoors often indicates the presence of other pests. Venomous species, though less common, can cause serious medical issues.
How they get in: Spiders move indoors in winter seeking shelter and prey. Winter spiders tend to settle in basements, garages, corners and storage areas where they remain undisturbed.
DIY treatment: Declutter, seal cracks and reduce insect prey by keeping things clean.
Pantry pests (moths & beetles)
Pantry pests such as moths and beetles thrive in warm indoor conditions and can quickly infest dry goods. Once introduced, they spread rapidly through cabinets and storage areas, compromising food supplies.
How they get Ii: They hitch a ride unknowingly on groceries and love warm cupboards.
DIY treatment: Inspect groceries, transfer food to airtight containers and rotate and clean shelves regularly.
Pest prevention checklist for right now:
– Seal dime‑sized and bigger holes; check around utilities, doors and windows.
– Store food in airtight containers; keep counters crumb‑free.
– Fix leaks and use dehumidifiers where needed.
– Declutter attics, basements and garages; inspect boxes before storing.
When to call in the pros
If you find nests, continuous droppings, chewed wiring, loud attic guests or a pantry infestation that keeps coming back, contact JP McHale Pest Management right away before there’s a major infestation. Early intervention through advanced, 24/7 digital monitoring allows issues to be addressed sooner, minimizing disruption, lowering long-term costs and reducing reliance on chemical treatments. Our advanced digital monitoring and exclusion technologies stop problems before they become costly or threaten your family’s health.
Pest-Free Prevention
A little prevention goes a long way. Seal, clean, inspect and call for help when you need it, then enjoy a cozier, healthier winter inside your own, undisturbed four walls. Modern pest control combines continuous monitoring, early intervention and environmentally sustainable solutions to protect your living space and the environment year-round.
Jim McHale, a Cornell University entomologist, is president of JP McHale Pest Management in Buchanan. For more, check out his JP McHale Pest Management Winter Pest Survival Guide here.
