7 Bugs to Watch for in the Winter

Winter is the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and… bugs? While it’s true that some insects will migrate or settle in for their hibernation period during winter, you shouldn’t let your guard down just yet — some home invaders can be just as troublesome, even when temperatures drop. You might even see a surge of these winter pests in your home as they seek shelter from the harsh, outdoor conditions.

To help fight these unwelcome guests, we’ve compiled a list of seven common bugs that you should be on the lookout for this winter.

Ants

These home invaders are attracted by food and will find entry into your home through even the tiniest cracks. Once ants identify your home as a place to find resources, they aren’t going to give it up so easily, and you might find an infestation on your hands as they lay down scent trails attracting more ants. To prevent these unwanted visitors, make sure all food sources are sealed, and your floors and counters are crumb-free.

Beetles

Instead of migrating or hibernating, beetles are known as overwintering pests, meaning they find shelter in a protected area to avoid the harsh climate. Unfortunately, that “shelter” they find might just happen to be your home. During the winter months, beetles will search for warmth in your home by slipping through access points such as windows, vents, cracks, and chimneys. While these bugs are mostly harmless, if they go unnoticed in your home they can multiply into an infestation.

Ladybugs

Like beetles, ladybugs are mostly harmless intruders that will look for entry into your home through cracks to escape the cold. Although it’s often considered good luck to see a ladybug, you might not share the sentiment if you find one in your home during the winter since these little guys travel in clumps during the winter to stay warm. If you suspect a ladybug infestation, avoid upsetting them as they can excrete a yellow fluid that can stain your home and will release a stench if they are squished.

Silverfish

These creepy crawlies are destructive pests that can damage your property and trigger allergies — and they happen to be most common during the winter due to their love of damp, cold places. Female silverfish can lay up to 1,000 eggs, and once they grow in large numbers, you may find them chowing down on books, wallpaper, insulation, and even clothing.

Fruit Flies

When temperatures drop, your warm house becomes the perfect sanctuary for these pesky bugs. While fruit flies can slip in through the cracks of your house, these bugs can also be carried in from grocery store produce. Although these insects won’t do any damage to your home, they might drive you to your wit’s end with their incessant flying around. If you run into a problem with fruit flies this winter, be sure to remove all old or rotting produce and keep a sealed lid on your trash can.

Cockroaches

Because cockroaches can’t survive in colder weather, these bugs will infiltrate your home looking for warm, damp spots to overwinter. Once they find their way in, they can bring a host of problems for you and your family. These intruders can contaminate food items that, when consumed, can cause Salmonella or E Coli related food poisoning. Additionally, their feces and saliva can also cause asthma and trigger allergies, and prolonged exposure to an infestation can cause irreversible health damage to young children.

Deer Ticks

These tiny bloodsuckers can survive temperatures just above freezing without snow present and are one of the few bugs that are active during the winter. Since these pests can transmit Lyme disease, it’s important to check yourself and your pets after going outdoors to avoid carrying them inside.

Need assistance this winter?
Don’t let these winter pests spoil your cozy indoor fun. If you find yourself with a bug problem this winter, give Hughes Exterminators a call today.