Most people think pests go away in the winter, but many actually just move inside. Spiders and ants, for instance, are still active during winter and can cause problems. If you skip pest control in the cold months, you’re giving them a head start for spring. Let’s break down why winter pest control matters and how to get ahead of it.
Winter-Active Pests: Spiders, Ants, and Rodents
Let’s talk spiders first. Many indoor species, like common house spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) and cellar spiders (Pholcus phalangioides), stay active year-round in warm environments like your basement or attic. But even some outdoor spiders can survive a cold snap thanks to cryoprotectants.
Cryoprotectants are natural compounds (such as glycerol and sorbitol) that act like biological antifreeze. When temperatures drop, these chemicals lower the freezing point of the spider’s bodily fluids, preventing ice crystals from forming inside their cells (which would otherwise kill them). Some species, like the woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) and funnel weavers, are known to produce these cryoprotectants and can remain semi-active in cold environments. They lose most of their speed, but they’re still alive, still moving, and still laying eggs that will hatch when things warm up.
Ants have a similar winter survival strategy. Species like the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) and carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.) can also produce cryoprotectants. These help their cells resist freezing, letting them survive in subzero temps. Carpenter ants, in particular, don’t always go dormant if they’re nesting inside warm structures like wall voids or insulation.
Finally, even in cold weather, rodents stay active, and winter is actually when they’re most likely to try getting into your home or building. As temperatures drop, mice and rats look for warmth, food, and shelter, making basements, attics, and wall voids ideal hiding spots. Once inside, they can chew through wires, contaminate surfaces, and even spread diseases like hantavirus or salmonella. That’s why winter pest control isn’t optional. It’s a key part of keeping your space safe and healthy.
Winter Pest Control = Spring Prevention
During winter, pest control focuses on locating and eliminating early pest activity before spring breeding begins. For spiders, pros can clear out webs and apply targeted treatments in basements, attics, and corners where they overwinter. For ants, winter is the ideal time to locate nests hidden inside walls and apply bait treatments before colonies grow active with warmer weather. With rodents, technicians inspect for droppings, gnaw marks, and entry points, then seal gaps, install tamper-resistant bait stations, and remove nesting materials. These actions stop rodents from reproducing indoors and prevent infestations from spreading.
By treating these issues while pest activity is low, you avoid the spring surge when pests become harder to control and more expensive to remove. Winter pest control is a proactive step that sets up a pest-free foundation for the months ahead.
It’s way easier—and cheaper—to stop a problem early than to fight a full-blown infestation later.
Why Bug Control Specialist Is Your Winter Pest MVP
When you hire us, you’re not getting a one-size-fits-all spray-and-go. You’re getting real protection, built for your home. Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Custom seasonal plans: We treat what’s actually active around your property this time of year.
- Targeted treatments: Safe, effective, and designed to knock out pests hiding in walls, crawlspaces, and other cozy spots.
- Trained eyes: Our techs spot the stuff most people miss, like early signs of infestations or entry points that’ll be a problem come spring.
- Money saved: Infestations can get worse over winter if pests are still active behind walls. By being proactive in the winter, you’re saving yourself from trouble and bigger pest control costs in the long run.
- Spring-ready peace of mind: Staying proactive and not reactive, we prep your home for what’s coming next.
Don’t wait for pests to make the first move—get ahead of them now. Call Bug Control Specialist today and lock in a winter pest control plan that keeps your home protected all year long.