Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean pests take a break. In fact, winter is when many pests sneak indoors to escape the chill—turning your warm, cozy home into their perfect hideout.

Here are the most common winter pests to watch out for—and how to keep them out:

1. Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Cold temperatures drive mice and rats to find shelter—and your home offers food, warmth, and nesting space. You’ll usually find them in:

• Attics

• Basements

• Inside walls

• Kitchens and pantries

They can chew through wires, contaminate food, and carry diseases. Listen for scratching sounds at night and look for droppings near baseboards.

2. Cockroaches

Roaches hate the cold, which is why they tend to move indoors during winter. They’re drawn to warmth, moisture, and leftover food. Common hiding spots include:

• Under sinks

• Behind appliances

• Inside cabinets

Once they’re in, they multiply quickly—making winter cockroach infestations especially tricky without professional help.

3. Spiders

While not all spiders come indoors in winter, some species—like the house spider or wolf spider—seek shelter during colder months. Basements, garages, and crawl spaces are common hangouts. They’re not typically dangerous, but no one wants to share their home with them.

4. Silverfish

These tiny, silvery insects love humid places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. During winter, they hide in dark cracks and feed on starchy materials like paper, glue, and fabric.

5. Termites

Termites don’t stop working in winter—they just dig deeper into your home’s wooden structures. Because they stay hidden, many homeowners don’t realize they have an infestation until it’s already caused damage.

6. Overwintering Insects

Pests like stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and lady beetles don’t reproduce indoors—but they’ll camp out in attics, wall voids, and window frames to wait for spring. You might see them emerging on warmer days.

How to Protect Your Home This Winter

• Seal cracks and holes around your home

• Store food in airtight containers

• Keep firewood away from your house

• Clean up crumbs, moisture, and clutter

• Schedule a winter pest inspection

Don’t let pests turn your home into their winter retreat. At Attack Pest Management, we specialize in year-round pest protection tailored to your space. If you’re noticing signs of winter pests, contact us today—we’ll help you stay pest-free, no matter the season.