The Truth About Winter Pests: Common Myths Debunked

a close up of a wasp hibernating

 

Many myths about winter pests persist—often online. At Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, we’d like to debunk some common myths and provide our expert advice for a winter free from pests.

Myth #1: Winter Pests “Die Off” in the Winter

The pests that plague your summer activities do not all die off due to winter weather. Though the populations of some pests—especially species facing extinction—may struggle to survive an especially harsh winter, most insect species have a game plan for wintertime.

Myth #2: Pests Survive by Hibernating

Contrary to what many believe, pests do not hibernate during winter like what we see with bears or groundhogs. Instead, they overwinter, reducing their activity to a dormant state without entirely ceasing motion or voluntary movements. Many also try and find somewhere to ride out the winter, including in pipes, vents, and your home’s quiet places.

Underground Overwintering

Whether they’re part of a eusocial colony and bring the whole crew or they’re solitary creatures, many pests escape frigid temperatures by moving underground. Some pests find the underground to provide enough shelter and warmth to conduct business as usual, but others still have to overwinter.

Infesting Homes

When choosing potential places to stay during the winter, insects and other pests near your property will be attracted to your home’s light, warmth, and places to hide and nest in. 

Places pests may hide in your home include: 

  • Damp or smelly areas of your bathroom—behind the sink, in drains, near leaky pipes, on uncovered toothbrushes, and in soap dishes 
  • Corners of the attic
  • In between ceiling tiles 
  • In ventilation system 
  • Between walls
  • In kitchen drawers, cabinets, and corners
  • Cracks, nooks, and crannies anywhere in the home, including baseboards

Remember, the safest way to get rid of an infestation is often not through a DIY bug bomb. It’s best to contact a professional pest control provider. 

Myth #3: Pests Enter Homes Through Doors or Windows

Although leaving a door or window open can allow pests to crawl or fly right into your home, that’s not the only way—and likely not even the most common way—they get in during the winter. The following places are more likely to be entryways for winter pests:

  • Through vents
  • Holes in the roof
  • The crawl space or through a broken, ill-secured barrier
  • Gaps between the foundation and structure of the home

To prevent pest intrusions from these places, block up these entryways by installing weatherproofing guards between gaps, filling cracks with spray foam or caulk, and repairing holes.

Real, Effective Solutions for Winter Pests

At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, we not only offer short- and long-term prevention solutions: We can also eliminate infestations disrupting your home.

We have proudly served families in Alabama since 1965 and would love to help you, too! Call us at 205-663-4200 or contact us online today to learn more about our affordable, highly effective pest control solutions.

To learn more about pests in Alabama and how to prevent them, check out our pest blog.