Winter in northern Colorado brings snow, chilly mornings, and—unfortunately—an influx of pests that would rather cozy up in your home than brave the cold. As temperatures drop, insects and rodents seek warmth, shelter, and the expansive, free buffet known as your kitchen floor. While some of these invaders are merely annoying, others pose threats to health or your home’s structure. From Bug Control Specialist, northern Colorado’s premier pest control company, here’s a look at the most common winter pests in our region, as well as how to keep them out and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
1. Mice & Rats
Rodents are the ultimate winter squatters, squeezing through dime-sized openings and setting up camp in walls, attics, and pantries. Once inside, they chew wires (fire hazard), contaminate food, and leave behind droppings that can spread disease.
How to Control Them:
- Seal entry points – Use steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to close off gaps around doors, vents, and utility pipes.
- Cut off their food supply – Store grains, pet food, and snacks in airtight containers, and never leave food out overnight.
- Set traps strategically – Snap traps, electronic traps, or bait stations can curb a small infestation.
When to Call a Pro:
If you’re hearing scratching in the walls at night, spotting droppings in multiple rooms, or noticing a persistent musty odor, you’re likely dealing with a full-blown rodent infestation that requires professional intervention.
2. Spiders
Most spiders in Colorado are harmless, if they don’t exactly make for great houseguests. The black widow, however, is a different story—its venom packs a painful punch and can cause serious reactions.
How to Control Them:
- Declutter storage areas – Spiders love dark, undisturbed spaces like basements and garages. Keep storage boxes sealed and organized.
- Vacuum webs regularly – Get rid of egg sacs before they hatch an army eight-legged intruders.
- Eliminate their food source – If you’ve got a spider problem, chances are you’ve got an insect problem. Reduce their food supply by addressing other pests first.
When to Call a Pro:
Seeing multiple black widows or other concerning spiders? A professional can identify the exact species and, if necessary, apply targeted treatments to eliminate them and prevent future encounters.
3. Cockroaches
Roaches are the nightmare guests of the insect world. They hide in cracks, multiply fast, and can trigger allergies and asthma. The German cockroach is the most common home invader, and once it moves in, it’s tough to evict.
How to Control Them:
- Eliminate moisture – Fix leaky pipes and keep bathrooms dry.
- Deep clean kitchen areas – Wipe down counters, sweep up crumbs, and never leave dirty dishes overnight.
- Use bait and traps – Gel baits and sticky traps can help catch early intruders.
When to Call a Pro:
If you see roaches during the day, it’s a sign of a serious infestation. Likewise, if you keep seeing them despite your best efforts, the situation is likely beyond your control, and professional treatment is the best way to eliminate them.
4. Boxelder Bugs
These red-and-black bugs love to huddle up on sunny walls and sneak inside for warmth. While harmless, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming, and they leave behind unsightly stains when squashed.
How to Control Them:
- Seal gaps around windows and doors – This prevents them from slipping inside when they seek shelter.
- Vacuum them up – Squishing them releases an unpleasant odor, so use a vacuum instead. Nature lovers can then release the bugs back outside.
When to Call a Pro:
If boxelder bugs are appearing in numbers enough to be a true nuisance, an expert can apply preventative treatments to keep them at bay.
5. Silverfish
Silverfish aren’t dangerous, but they’re certainly unsettling. These prehistoric-looking bugs love damp environments and feast on paper, fabric, and even wallpaper glue.
How to Control Them:
- Reduce humidity – Use a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms.
- Store books and clothing properly – Keep them in sealed containers.
- Use sticky traps – Placing them near baseboards and dark corners can help catch stragglers.
When to Call a Pro:
If silverfish keep reappearing despite moisture control efforts, an exterminator can apply targeted treatments to remove them for good.
Don’t Let Pests Crash Your Cozy Winter
Winter pests in northern Colorado don’t need an invitation—just an opportunity. If you’re dealing with persistent intruders, don’t waste another chilly night battling them alone. Bug Control Specialist provides expert winter pest control services in Greeley and throughout northern Colorado to keep your home pest-free all season long. Contact us today for a customized solution to your pest problem!