Everyone knows that bears sleep through the winter during hibernation, right?

This is actually a common misconception, and just as bears are more active during the winter than you may realize, so are many varieties of household pests. Rodents, roaches, termites, ants, spiders, and more are all eager to invade your home this winter, and the experts from Dewey Pest and Termite Control are here to stop them in their tracks.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common wintertime pests and answer some of the top questions our customers have about keeping pests away during the snowy season.

Are Ants Still Active During the Winter?

Yes, ant colonies continue to expand through the winter months. As outdoor food, water, and shelter become scarce, ants are more likely to invade your home in search of survival resources. Carpenter ants are particularly concerning because they tunnel through wood to create nests, weakening your home’s structural integrity over time. These ants don’t eat wood like termites, but their nesting behavior can cause damage that’s just as serious.

Black ants are another common winter pest. While they don’t damage your home like carpenter ants, they can contaminate food supplies and become a major nuisance in kitchens and pantries. Their small size allows them to sneak through tiny cracks and crevices, and once inside, they’ll form long trails leading back to their colonies, which is why early elimination is so important.

Are Spiders in California Homes Common in Colder Weather?

Spiders are absolutely common in homes during bouts of colder weather. As many pests seek warmth and shelter inside homes during winter, spiders follow them indoors, feeding on insects like ants and a variety of flying pests. Spiders can often be found hiding in corners, behind furniture, or spinning webs in undisturbed areas like windowsills, closets, and between appliances. This is perfect for catching prey, but it also makes them hard to spot.

What Is the Risk of Termite Damage in the Winter?

Termites remain a serious threat year-round, and winter is no exception. Both drywood termites and dampwood termites can continue damaging your home during colder months, though the damage may be harder to notice if your home is covered in snow.

A clear sign of termite activity is the presence of termite droppings, also called frass, which resemble small, wood-colored pellets. These droppings can accumulate near any wooden structure they target, especially along window sills.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to costly structural damage, so early detection and treatment from our termite control team is the best way to stay protected.

How Do Cockroaches Get Inside?

Although not known for graceful flight, some cockroach species can use their wings to glide or jump from elevated surfaces. These flying cockroaches can exploit this ability to reach windows, rooflines, or vents, giving them easy access to your home.

In addition to flying, cockroaches are notorious for slipping through even the tiniest cracks in doors, windows, and walls. They can also enter through drains and pipes, seeking out warmth and moisture. Remember that roaches reproduce quickly, so spotting one cockroach often means many more are hiding nearby.

Why Is Wintertime Rodent Control Important?

Rodents, like many of the other pests we’ve discussed, do not hibernate in the winter. In fact, the cold weather drives them indoors in search of warmth and food, making winter infestations common.

Once inside, rodents can cause significant damage by chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and stored food. They also pose serious health risks by spreading diseases and contaminating surfaces, and just like roaches, they reproduce rapidly. If you see one rodent, don’t wait for the others to make an appearance. Call Dewey Pest and Termite Control.

Schedule Your Pest Control Inspection From Dewey Pest and Termite Control

Protect your family and property by scheduling a professional pest inspection with Dewey Pest and Termite Control. Our experienced team of pest control specialists is trained to identify and eliminate these winter pests and many others that may try to come indoors, from rodents and roaches to termites and more.

We’ll help you keep your home protected from pests all season long with treatments that are harmless to humans and pets . Contact Dewey Pest and Termite Control today to schedule your inspection from a qualified exterminator near you.