In the pest management industry, one common belief is that pest control treatments commonly needed in the summer are not necessary during the fall and cooler winter months. People notice a dramatic drop in the number of pests they see and have to deal with and ask, “Where do pests go in the winter?” This article briefly outlines where pests go in the winter and why winter pest control continues to be an important step in protecting your home, even when you cannot see the pests.
Where Do Pests Go In The Winter?
When the temperatures drop, pests have a variety of ways they survive the winter and wait for the warm days of spring and summer to reappear. In most cases, the insects and pests do not really go anywhere. They take refuge in safe places with consistent temperatures and wait out the long, cold winter days.
Migration
Many insects just migrate to warmers places. Crop pests are the most common. The temperatures drop and they migrate south for the winter.
Overwintering as Larvae or Eggs
Many pests survive the winter as immature larvae or eggs. They find cover under leaf litter, or in the nooks and cracks of the exterior of your home. Other insects replace the water in their bodies with glycerol, which is basically a natural antifreeze. Grubs commonly burrow deep into the soil to stay warm and do not come out until the soils freeze.
Hibernation
Many insects hibernate as adults. They may congregate and seek shelter in the eaves and attics of houses or barns, or sometimes bury themselves and hide under larger rocks.
Do You Really Need Winter Pest Control?
The most obvious response to the question, “Why do you still need pest management in the winter” is that most pests are still lurking around your home and waiting to reappear when the temperatures rise. Winter pest services allow technicians to take a special focus on inspection of the interior of your home, identify any new issues, eliminate hibernating pests, and prepare your home for the influx of pests in the spring.
Additionally, spiders and rodents tend to be a continuous problem inside homes and garages during winter months. Pest management treatments mean spider webs are removed, infected areas are treated, and rodent activity is monitored in crawl spaces and attics to avoid activity in shared living spaces.
Call For Winter Pest Management Services
Do not mistake Fall and Winter as a time to save money and lay off on pest management services. Winter months are imperative for homeowners to prepare for warmer seasons. Local pest control technicians, such as those at Aantex, will identify and seal points of entry, create treatment plans to ensure there are barriers of entry into your home and help keep unwanted pests and rodents out of your home during the winter so they are not uninvited, or unexpected visitors, in the summer.
To schedule your free consultation, book your appointment online or call 925-240-5100 to schedule with one of our customer service representatives.
If you believe you may have been in contact with Bed Bugs, we’re here to help! AANTEX Pest Control offers a variety of free inspections and services the entire Bay Area. 1-800-471-5555
