When the temperatures drop, most people think pests take a break. It’s easy to assume that cold weather means no more bugs or rodents. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Winter pests are just as persistent as their summer counterparts. They’re not buzzing around outside but instead are cozying up indoors—right where it’s warm. If you live in a state with freezing winters, pest control may not seem like a big concern, but it’s actually one of the most important times to stay vigilant.
Why Winter Doesn’t Erase Pest Problems
Cold weather doesn’t eliminate pests; it just changes their habits. Instead of staying outdoors, pests seek out heat and food sources. Your home or apartment becomes their new safe haven.
Think about how you respond to the cold: bundling up, staying indoors, and keeping warm. Pests do the same. Mice, cockroaches, spiders, and other critters will go to great lengths to escape freezing temperatures, and that often means sneaking into your living space.
A common misconception is that pests simply die off in winter. While some species, like flies and mosquitoes, might disappear until spring, others hunker down and thrive inside homes and apartments. Rodents, for instance, can survive brutal weather by nesting in walls, basements, or attics. Insects like cockroaches or silverfish stay hidden in drains or dark, damp corners.
How Winter Pests Enter
Pests are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding a way inside. They can slip through the tiniest cracks and openings—spaces you might not even notice.
Cracks and Gaps:
Small gaps around windows, doors, and foundations are like open invitations to pests. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
Utility Lines:
Openings around pipes, vents, and cables are another common entry point. These areas are often overlooked during routine inspections.
Unsealed Food:
Even the smallest crumbs or loosely sealed food items can attract pests into kitchens or pantries.
Cluttered Storage Areas:
Basements, garages, and attics filled with clutter create the perfect hiding spots for pests looking to stay out of sight.
Once they’re inside, pests can settle in quickly, especially if food and water are easily accessible. And in the winter, they’re not just passing through—they’re here to stay.
Winter’s Most Common Pests
Let’s break down some of the pests you’re most likely to encounter during winter:
Rodents (Mice and Rats):
These are perhaps the most notorious winter pests. They’re great climbers and can gnaw through almost anything, from wood to wiring. Rodents can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and spread diseases like hantavirus.
Cockroaches:
Roaches thrive in warm, moist environments. Even a small crack in your heating system or drain pipes can provide the perfect entry point. Once inside, they multiply quickly.
Spiders:
Some species of spiders, like the brown recluse, prefer undisturbed areas. They’ll hide in storage boxes, basements, or even shoes left out for long periods.
Silverfish:
These pests are harmless to humans but can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing. They love cool, damp spaces like basements and bathrooms.
Wildlife (Raccoons, Squirrels, or Bats):
While less common, these animals may find their way into attics or crawl spaces during extreme cold.
The Risks of Ignoring Winter Pests
Ignoring pests during the colder months can lead to bigger problems down the road. Many people assume pest control is only necessary during the spring or summer, but this misconception can be costly. Here’s why staying proactive is essential:
Health Risks:
Rodents and cockroaches carry diseases that can harm humans. For example, rodent droppings can spread bacteria, while cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergies.
Property Damage:
Rodents chew through insulation, drywall, and even electrical wiring, which could lead to fires. Cockroaches can damage fabrics, books, and paper.
Uncontrolled Infestations:
Pests don’t stop reproducing in winter. A few rodents or insects can quickly multiply, creating a larger infestation by the time spring arrives.
Resident Complaints:
If pests are left unchecked in apartment settings, property managers might face frustrated residents, negative reviews, and increased vacancies.
Prevention Tips for Winter Pest Control
The good news? Keeping pests out during winter is entirely possible with some proactive steps. Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, these tips can help reduce pest activity:
Seal Openings:
Inspect the exterior of your property for any cracks or gaps, especially around doors, windows, and utility lines. Use caulk, foam sealant, or steel wool to block entry points.
Maintain Cleanliness:
Pests are drawn to food and clutter. Regularly vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces to eliminate crumbs. Store food in airtight containers and take out the trash frequently.
Inspect Storage Areas:
Clutter gives pests a place to hide. Use plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes, and declutter basements or garages.
Fix Moisture Problems:
Pests like cockroaches and silverfish are drawn to moisture. Repair leaks, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation in damp areas.
Schedule Professional Services:
Working with pest control professionals ensures thorough inspections and treatments. It’s a stress-free way to keep your property pest-free during winter.
Why Pest Control as an Amenity is a Game-Changer
For property managers, including pest control in a resident benefits package (RBP) is a smart move. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about creating value and building trust. When residents know pest control is part of their lease, it takes the guesswork out of who’s responsible.
A service like Pest Share simplifies the process for everyone involved. Property managers don’t have to mediate pest-related complaints or deal with logistics. Residents, on the other hand, get quick, reliable service without any hassle.
For example, Pest Share’s technology identifies pests based on simple questionnaires and connects residents with local professionals. The average service time is just 3.2 days, meaning pests are addressed before they become a bigger problem.
The Property Manager’s Perspective
Winter pests can affect your bottom line if left unchecked. Occupancy rates may drop if residents feel their homes aren’t safe or comfortable. Negative online reviews can damage your reputation, making it harder to attract new residents.
By including pest control in your services, you’re not only protecting your properties but also enhancing your appeal as a reliable, proactive property manager. Residents want peace of mind, and offering pest control shows that you care about their well-being.
A Resident’s Peace of Mind
For residents, pest control included in an RBP is a huge benefit. It eliminates the cost and stress of handling pests themselves. Instead of spending hundreds on treatments or ineffective DIY traps, they get professional help quickly.
Plus, residents are more likely to report pest problems when they know it’s covered. This means issues are caught early, preventing infestations and saving everyone time and money.
Why Winter is the Best Time to Act
The quieter months of winter are actually the best time to focus on pest control. By addressing potential problems now, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother spring. Pests that establish themselves during winter will only grow in numbers as the weather warms up. Taking action now stops that cycle before it starts.
Pest Share offers a straightforward solution to winter pest challenges. Their system takes the burden off property managers by handling the entire process—from identifying pests to coordinating with trusted local providers. With Pest Share, residents don’t need to worry about who to call or how to schedule treatments. Everything is managed seamlessly, ensuring quick responses and effective results. Property managers can trust that their properties are protected, and residents can enjoy a pest-free home.
A Pest-Free Winter
Winter pests are a reality, but they don’t have to take over your property or home. With the right prevention measures and professional pest control services, you can keep rodents, cockroaches, and other nuisances out for good.
Whether you’re managing apartments or caring for your own home, staying proactive during winter will save time, money, and frustration. Pest Share’s reliable system ensures that pests are handled efficiently, giving you peace of mind all season long.
Don’t let winter pests catch you off guard. A warm home doesn’t have to mean sharing it with uninvited guests. Seal up those cracks, tidy up your spaces, and let Pest Share help you tackle pests before they become a problem.
