Common Winter Pests

As the weather starts to become colder, you’re probably working on making your home as warm and cozy as possible. Unfortunately, you’re not the only one preparing to settle indoors for the winter. Several pests search for places to escape the cold, and your home is a perfect fit. We’ve made a list of pests that you could encounter this winter.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches seem to survive whatever life throws at them, and winter is no exception. These pests seek areas with food and moisture, which your home can provide. German cockroaches are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms throughout winter. You can identify them by the two dark stripes on their lighter brown body. Cockroaches can contaminate food and surfaces where food is prepared. They are also known to aggravate allergies. Using a bait, like our Roach Killer Gel Bait, can help eliminate the cockroaches you see as well as the entire colony.

Spiders

It isn’t uncommon to find a spider hiding in your home in the winter. In fact, there’s a good chance it has been there for a while. Throughout the year, spiders search for places to stay that are dark, warm, and secluded. Your attic, basement, closet, and crawlspace fit their needs. Some species lay egg sacs during the winter months that will hatch in the spring. While many people are afraid of spiders, most aren’t dangerous. Some can even be helpful. However, there are species, like the brown recluse spider, that are venomous. Applying an insecticide dust, like our Spider & Insect Dust, can provide you with long-lasting protection.

Bed Bugs

Nothing ruins your sleep like the thought of bed bugs hiding in your bed. Bed bugs survive by feeding on the blood of a host. Unfortunately, humans are their primary target. These pests have a brown body that takes on a reddish hue after feeding. They are tiny and flat, which allows them to hide in small cracks and crevices. They also multiply quickly, making it tricky to eliminate an infestation. Bed bug bites can cause red, itchy marks and often appear on legs and arms. It’s important to treat not only your bed but any areas where bed bugs can hide. Applying an insecticide dust, like our Bed Bug Killer, can help eliminate an infestation.

Silverfish

Silverfish are also known to stop by for the winter season. These metallic silver pests have an oval body and reach about ¾ʺ in length. They like to hide in areas that are cool and damp so you are likely to find them in your bathroom or basement. Since they are small, they often stay hidden in cracks and crevices. These pests don’t bite or sting, but they can still be problematic. Silverfish feed on paper products like wallpaper and books, certain pantry items, and fabric. Applying an insecticide spray, like our Home Bug Spray, will kill silverfish on contact while also providing you with residual repellency.

Earwigs

Like others on the list, the earwig does its best to avoid being exposed to chilly weather. While many choose to burrow deep in the ground, others will slip into warm homes. These pests can be flat and small, ranging in size from ¼ʺ-1ʺ. Their size allows them to easily slip into homes through cracks. They like dark, damp areas and will settle down in bathrooms, basements, garages, and kitchens. Earwigs are more of a nuisance than harmful. However, they can secrete an unpleasant smelling liquid when they feel threatened. To keep earwigs out of your home you can apply an insecticide spray, like our Yard Bug Spray, around the perimeter of your home.

Flies

Flies can’t handle cold weather, which is why some end up in homes in winter. The cluster fly starts looking for a place to hide in fall. These pests often gather in large groups on the sunny side of homes before slipping inside. Cluster flies are larger than houseflies and have a dark body with golden hair on their thorax. Their abdomen contains a checkered pattern. These flies are sometimes called attic flies because of their tendency to infest attics. Usually, cluster flies will remain dormant. However, if temperatures rise, it’s not uncommon to find them flying around your house. Sweeping and vacuuming can help remove cluster flies. Our Flying Insect Killer will also help to kill and repel flies. 

Spending your winter bundled up with pests is nobody’s definition of fun. The good news is that you don’t have to let them stay. If you’re dealing with uninvited guests this winter, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.