Winter’s Uninvited Guests: Common Pests to Watch For

Winter in Alaska is a time of serene snowfalls and cozy nights by the fire. But as the temperature drops, some uninvited guests might find your home just as appealing. Winter bugs and other pests often seek shelter indoors to escape the harsh weather, creating potential headaches for homeowners and business owners alike.

Understanding which pests are most likely to invade your space during the colder months can help you take proactive measures to keep them out. Here’s a guide to the common winter pests to watch for, how they behave, and what you can do to protect your property.

Rodents: Mice and Rats on the Move

When the ground freezes and snow blankets the landscape, mice and rats often seek the warmth and sustenance of human habitats.

Why They’re a Problem

Rodents can:

• Contaminate food sources with their droppings.
• Gnaw on wires, creating potential fire hazards.
• Damage insulation, walls, and furniture.

Signs of an Infestation

• Droppings in cupboards, along walls, or near food.
• Gnaw marks on wires, furniture, or food packaging.
• Scampering noises, especially at night.

Prevention Tips

Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Store food in airtight containers and remove any clutter where rodents could hide.

Overwintering Insects: Cluster Flies, Ladybugs, and Boxelder Bugs

Certain insects, often referred to as “overwintering pests,” enter homes in late fall to hibernate until spring.

Common Culprits

• Cluster Flies: They gather in attics and walls, often emerging on warm winter days.
• Ladybugs: Though harmless, they can form large groups indoors, becoming a nuisance.
• Boxelder Bugs: These red and black insects often appear near windows and ceilings.

Why They’re a Problem

While overwintering bugs aren’t harmful, their presence can be unsettling, and large infestations may cause staining or odors.

Prevention Tips

Inspect and repair any cracks around windows, doors, and roofs. Install screens on attic vents and maintain a clean home to deter these pests.

Cockroaches: A Persistent Threat

Cockroaches are hardy insects that thrive in warm environments, making homes and businesses an attractive shelter during winter.

Why They’re a Problem

Cockroaches can:

• Spread diseases like Salmonella and E. coli.
• Trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.
• Contaminate surfaces and food.

Signs of an Infestation

• Droppings resembling coffee grounds or pepper.
• A musty odor.
• Egg casings or shed skins near baseboards or appliances.

Prevention Tips

Keep your home clean and dry. Repair leaks, eliminate food sources, and seal entry points to keep cockroaches at bay.

Spiders: More Than Just Webs

While most spiders found indoors during winter are harmless, some species, like the hobo spider, can pose a health risk.

Why They’re a Problem

Spiders can:

• Bite if threatened, with some species causing mild to severe reactions.
• Create unsightly webs throughout your home.

Signs of an Infestation

• Webs in corners, basements, or crawl spaces.
• Increased sightings of spiders, especially in dark or damp areas.

Prevention Tips

Declutter storage areas, vacuum regularly, and seal cracks to minimize entry points. For severe infestations, consider professional pest control.

Bed Bugs: A Year-Round Problem

Bed bugs don’t hibernate during winter, and holiday travel often increases the risk of bringing these pests home.

Why They’re a Problem

Bed bugs feed on human blood, causing itchy bites and psychological stress. Their small size and resilience make them challenging to eliminate.

Signs of an Infestation

• Small, red bites in a line or cluster on your skin.
• Rust-colored stains on bedding from crushed bugs.
• Shed skins or live bugs in mattress seams.

Prevention Tips

Inspect luggage and clothing after traveling and wash items in hot water. Use protective covers for mattresses and box springs.

Silverfish: The Book-Loving Bug

Silverfish thrive in dark, damp areas of homes, such as basements and bathrooms. Their presence can be particularly damaging to paper products and clothing.

Why They’re a Problem

Silverfish feed on:

• Books and wallpaper glue.
• Fabrics and pantry items, such as cereals and flour.

Signs of an Infestation

• Holes in paper and fabrics.
• Tiny, silver-colored bugs moving quickly in dark areas.

Prevention Tips

Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers, seal storage boxes, and vacuum regularly to remove their preferred food sources.

Ants: A Surprise in the Cold

While ants are typically associated with warmer weather, some species, such as carpenter ants, may become active indoors during winter.

Why They’re a Problem

• Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood.
• Other ant species may contaminate food and surfaces.

Signs of an Infestation

• Wood shavings near walls or windows.
• Trails of ants indoors, especially in kitchens.

Prevention Tips

To deter these pests, keep your home free of crumbs and spills. Store firewood away from the house, and fix leaks.

Squirrels and Other Wildlife: Winter Intruders

While not “bugs,” squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife may find their way into attics or crawl spaces during winter.

Why They’re a Problem

• Squirrels can chew on electrical wires and insulation.
• Wildlife can carry diseases, such as rabies or fleas, and damage property.

Signs of an Infestation

• Scratching noises in walls or ceilings.
• Droppings or nesting materials in attics.

Prevention Tips

Install chimney caps, secure trash bins, and seal any gaps in your home’s exterior.

Why Professional Pest Control Matters

While DIY methods may address minor infestations, professional pest control ensures a comprehensive solution to keep your home pest-free during winter. Trained technicians can identify entry points, assess infestation levels, and apply targeted treatments to eliminate pests and prevent future invasions.

Call Pied Piper Pest Control Today!

Don’t let winter bugs and pests disrupt the comfort of your home or business. Since 1965, Pied Piper Pest Control has been Alaska’s trusted name in pest removal and prevention. As a locally owned and operated company, we pride ourselves on providing personalized service that puts your needs first.

From insects and rodents to wildlife control, our expert team offers comprehensive solutions tailored to Alaska’s unique pest challenges. Protect your property this winter—call Pied Piper Pest Control today to schedule your consultation and experience the best pest control services in the state.

Categorised in: Pest Control

This post was written by Ken Perry