Your Ultimate Guide on How to Get Rid of Common Winter Insects & Pests

As winter nears, you’re probably planning how you’ll spend your winters trying to stay warm and cozy inside your home, but so do winter insects and pests. These common insects are attracted to the warmth of your home and can quickly become a nuisance as they search for food and shelter. From the tiny yet annoying gnats to the destructive carpenter ants, winter pests can come in all shapes and sizes. But don't despair. 

At DIY Pest Warehouse, we have the resources to help you. In this blog post, you'll learn about the most common pests you're likely to encounter during winter, how to identify an infestation, and prevention and control tips from industry experts.

Most Common Winter Insects and Pests

• Rats and house mice - As the weather outside gets colder, rats and mice will start looking for warm places to nest. They can squeeze through tiny openings and are often attracted to food sources. Look for signs of gnawing, droppings, or rub marks along baseboards and in cabinets.
• Ants and termites - These pests are most active in the spring and summer, but they can still be a problem in the winter. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create their nests, while termites eat wood from the inside out. Look for piles of sawdust or wood shavings near windows and doors.
• Cockroaches - Cockroaches are one of the most common winter insects. They like to live in warm, damp places and can be found in kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches are easy to identify by their long, slender bodies and dark brown or black color.
• Bedbugs - Bedbugs are resilient winter pests. Even with the cold outside, these small, reddish-brown insects can survive indoors no matter the weather. They are most active at night and can be found in mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. Look for small spots of blood on sheets and pillowcases.
• Spiders - Spiders are often found in homes during the winter months. These winter insects build webs to catch prey and can be found in corners, closets, and basements. Some spiders can be dangerous. Look for webs with egg sacs attached.
• Silverfish - Silverfish are active during winter and can be found in dark, damp places like basements and closets. They are silver or gray in color and have long, slender bodies. Silverfish eat paper and fabric, so look for holes in clothing or damage to books.
• Beetles - Many different types of beetles can be found in homes during the winter. These winter insects range in color from black to red and can be found in a variety of habitats. Look for beetles near windows, doors, and storage areas.
• Stink bugs - While they basically go dormant until spring comes, these insects can get cozy in warm indoor spaces and reappear in your home in winter. They are brown or green in color and have a distinct odor. Stink bugs can be found near warmer areas like closets, cabinets, and basements.

How to Identify a Pest Infestation During Winter

There are a few tell-tale signs of a pest problem in your home, even during winter. One of the most obvious is finding insects or rodents in your home. If you see droppings around your house or evidence of chewing, you likely have an infestation. You may also hear scurrying noises in your walls or attic. Another sign of a winter insect or pest infestation is seeing damage to your belongings or home, such as holes in clothes or gnawed holes in wood.

For insect infestations, you may also see swarms of bugs around your home or in your pantry. If you have a food source that insects are attracted to, they will be drawn to it even in the winter. Insects can also lay eggs during winter, so you may find larvae or pupae around your home as well. If you think you have a winter pest problem, it's important to take action quickly to get rid of them before they cause more damage or spread disease.

How to Prevent and Control Winter Insects and Pests

You can do a few things to prevent pests from entering your home in the first place or at least limit their access or potential spread inside your home.

• Start by repairing any cracks or openings in the foundation and exterior walls of your home
• Use quality caulking to seal cracks around windows, doors, and other potential entry points
• You might also want to install door sweeps and weather-stripping to deter pests further
• Make sure to keep your gutters clean and free of debris 
• Trim tree branches and shrubs back from the exterior of your home so pests can't use them as a way to gain access
• Keep an eye out for any potential food sources that might attract winter insects and pests inside
• Clean up spills and crumbs right away, vacuum regularly, and wash dishes promptly
• Store food in airtight containers and be sure to dispose of your garbage regularly
• Be sure to seal up any openings leading into your home from the outside
• Fix any leaks in your plumbing so that water isn't sitting around

Get Started With DIY Pest Control Solutions for Any Pest

Now that you know the most common winter pests and where they like to hide, you can start thinking about the best way to get rid of them. But before you call an exterminator, you should consider trying some proven do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control products that are easy to use, effective, and long-lasting. You might be surprised at how effective they can be.

At DIY Pest Warehouse, we bring you the same high-quality DIY pest control products that the pros use, but without the expensive price tag. In fact, you can save up to 80% compared with exterminator costs. Whether you're dealing with mice, cockroaches, ants, or any other type of winter pest, we have a solution to help eliminate common winter insects and pests.

And if you're unsure which product to use, our industry experts are here to help - contact us and get answers quickly. Order now and enjoy fast, free shipping in the U.S.