As winter weather arrives, your home becomes your escape from the cold. Unfortunately, some bugs enjoy the coziness of your house too. While many bugs disappear during winter months, others sneak into homes. Check out why bugs could be in your house this winter.
Warmth
One of the main reasons bugs invade homes in winter is for warmth. Most species can’t handle cold temperatures. Your home provides them with a warm place to hide. Many overwintering pests gather on the sides of houses in fall before slipping into homes. They’ll stay in your house throughout winter and emerge in spring when temperatures rise. If there’s a warm winter day, they may be tricked into coming out early.
Attracted By Other Bugs
While some pests find your home on their own, others are invited to it. Bugs, like Asian lady beetles, release pheromones alerting other pests to their location. When this happens, large populations of pests can head to your home. If you spot them gathering on the side of your house, spray them away with your garden hose before they can enter.
Suitable Living Conditions
Bugs don’t just need warmth, they also need moisture and food. Pests, like cockroaches, enter homes seeking these things. If your house has damp areas, bugs will be attracted to it. Food sources can also make your home a safe place in winter. Crumbs, spills, and even household items can provide pests with a meal.
Carried in on Pantry Items
Pantry pests can be a problem year-round. These pests live in and feed on pantry food like pasta and flour. When you bring infested items home from the store, these pests make themselves at home in your cabinets. They often breed in pantry items leading to large infestations. Be sure to check food items for signs of pests before purchasing it.
Year-Round Pests
Some pests, like spiders and bed bugs, can be a problem year-round. Even if you spot them in winter, there’s a good chance they’ve been hiding for a while. Spiders seek dark and warm places to live, while bed bugs are often brought into homes after travelling or visiting an infested location.
Common Winter Pests
Knowing which pests are likely to invade can help you to properly bug-proof your home. Check out which pests you could encounter during winter months.
- Asian Lady Beetles
- Boxelder Bugs
- Stink Bugs
- Cluster Flies
- Spiders
- Bed Bugs
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Earwigs
- Pantry Pests
Whether bugs are just stopping by for winter or they have been hiding throughout the year, you don’t want to share your home with them. Sealing entry points and making your home unwelcoming can help keep these pests away. If winter pests are bugging you, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.