Think pests just disappear in winter?
Maybe they go somewhere and hibernate?
Perhaps die off?
Think again.
Pests can be very noticeable in winter. In some cases, pests are seen more in the cooler months as they are seeking out a warm home in which to overwinter.
One of the most common pests invading a home during the colder months are mice and rats.
Mice: Mice do not hibernate in winter. Instead, mice look for ways to enter homes through the smallest of cracks and holes around walls, doors and foundations. They are also fantastic climbers and can enter through windows and doors. Scrounging for potential food, gnawing through wood, vinyl, plastic and even wiring...you'll likely hear them before you see them. The best defense is learning how to keep them out before winter sets in!
Rats: Rats do not hibernate in winter. As the weather becomes colder, rats must figure out ways in which to stay warm and survive. They remain active, searching for any food that will help to sustain them over the winter months. Burrowing outside beside walls, fences or any other structure is where they typically seek shelter. However, rats prefer warmer locations within our homes, such as attic spaces and wall voids.
Squirrels: Squirrels do not hibernate in winter. Instead they hoard food and build their nests within dens, where they will spend the majority of the winter. Squirrels also LOVE attic spaces. They can easily squeeze their way in and are a nightmare once they do. Damaging insulation and chewing on wiring that can lead to electrical fires.
Raccoons: Raccoons are more visible as the weather starts to get cooler. A drop in temperature is a sign to start preparing for winter. Raccoons are not "true hibernators" rather they will go in search of shelter in the form of abandoned buildings, sheds, and in the hollows of trees.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are considered a year-round problem. They cannot survive Canadian winters outdoors, and that's why they seek shelter indoors. Practicing good sanitation and sealing up any visible cracks and crevices are good practice. Use a spray with long residual and roach monitors to help indicate whether roaches are present.
Ants: Ants do not hibernate in winter, rather they go into a dormant state once the temperatures drop. It's not abnormal for homeowners to see some ant activity into the cooler months. Food crumbs, moisture and shelter are the three main attractants. Learn how to keep ants out year round.
Spiders: Most Spiders do not hibernate, rather they enter a phase called "diapause" which is a period of dormancy. Truth be told, it can be very difficult to eliminate indoor spiders completely. You can however greatly reduce the amount of spiders by removing any webs and egg sacks (you often see these in grooves of crown molding, under furniture and in corners, where the walls meet the ceiling or floors) by using a vacuum with a hose attachment.
Read more:
10 Best Rat Trapping Tips for Homeowners
5 Things that Make Roaches Extra Hard to Kill… and how to outsmart them
Why Do I Have Ants in My House?
