UBCNews - Business - What Kinds of Pests Are Common In Winter? NOVA Experts Warn Of Indoor Invaders

Episode Date: November 25, 2025

Hey everyone, welcome back! So, winter's here, and you know what that means - we're all bundled up inside staying warm. But guess what? We're not the only ones looking for a cozy spot. Connor's Pest Pros City: Springfield Address: 5410 Port Royal Rd Website: https://connorspestpros.com/contact/

Hey everyone, welcome back. So winter's here, and you know what that means. We're all bundled up inside staying warm. But guess what? We're not the only ones looking for a cozy spot. Right, exactly. When temperatures drop here in northern Virginia, Maryland, and the D.C. area, pests start seeking shelter indoors. They're looking for warmth, food, and security, and unfortunately, our homes provide all three. That's the thing people don't always realize. Winter doesn't mean, pests disappear. They just move inside. So what are we talking about here? What kinds of critters should homeowners be watching for? Well, the biggest culprits are rodents. Think mice, rats, and even squirrels. Then you've got cockroaches, spiders, and ants. All of these pests are actively looking for a way into your home during the colder months. Let's start with rodents,

because I feel like that's what most people worry about. What's the deal with them in winter? Rodents are persistent. House mice, field mice, roof rats, Norway rats. They all frequently invade homes during winter. They'll nest in dark, isolated areas like attics, basements, or even in woodpiles. And here's the kicker. They can cause serious damage by chewing on electrical wires, which can actually lead to fires. They also ruin insulation and wood beams.

Wow. So it's not just the creep factor. there's real property damage and safety concerns. What about cockroaches? I always thought they were more of a warm weather problem. That's a common misconception. Cockroaches, especially German cockroaches, are attracted to spaces that offer food and water.

They're drawn to excess moisture and will absolutely invade during winter. They can enter through boxes, bags, even secondhand purchases. And they carry bacteria that can cause diseases like salmonella, dysentery and gastroenteritis. Mm-hmm, I see. So these aren't just nuisances. They're actually health hazards. And spiders are another one.

Now, an occasional spider can actually help control other pests, but when their population grows unchecked, you've got a problem. Black widows, brown recluses, yellow sack spiders. They all seek refuge indoors during winter months, usually in garages, attics, or other out-of-the-way spots. I had a friend who found a brown recluse in her basement last January. She said it was hiding behind some storage boxes, scared her half to death, though I guess at least it wasn't a roommate who hadn't paid rent.

Ha, yeah, that's much worse. At least you can evict a spider more easily. But speaking of unwanted guests, I actually had a client once, who heard scratching in the walls for weeks. Turned out to be a family of mice that had set up an entire nursery in the insulation. By the time we got there, there were douged. dozens of them. Oh, wow, that's...

That's a lot. And then there are ants, species like carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, little black ants. They're less active outside because they enter a state of dormancy beneath the ground. But once they get inside, they feel that warmth and security and start foraging? Exactly. So they're essentially in standby mode outdoors, but indoors they reactivate and start searching for food. Have you ever noticed?

how a single crumb on the counter can turn into an ant highway overnight? Oh, definitely. It's like they have some kind of a crumb radar. So why does your home seem like such an irresistible target for these pests? It comes down to three things. Warmth, food, and entry points. Pests can enter through incredibly small cracks and crevices. We're talking gaps you might not even notice around pipes, windows, doors, or in your foundation. Entry points are really the gateway. Without them, most pests can't get in no matter how attractive your home looks. That point about entry points sets up our next piece, prevention strategies. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Dealing with winter pests in northern Virginia, Maryland, or Washington,

D.C., Conner's Pest Pros is a family-owned company serving the area since 1944. Their licensed exterminators and wildlife trappers offering same-day and next day service with a 100, 100% satisfaction guarantee. And here's a promise. If pests return, they provide free retreatments. Learn more at Connorspestpros.com. Picking up on those entry points, we mentioned, how do homeowners actually seal those off effectively?

Great question. First, inspect your home for any cracks or holes, especially around the foundation, windows, and doors. Seal those openings with caulk or weather stripping. Check your roof and gutters for damage. insulate pipes to prevent moisture buildup, and make sure vents and chimneys have proper screens. Makes sense. What about inside the home? Are there things people should be doing there too? Absolutely. Store food in airtight containers. That eliminates a major attractant. Keep your kitchen

clean, wipe down counters, don't leave dirty dishes out. Control moisture sources by fixing leaking pipes and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements. Cockroaches especially love moisture. Right, makes sense. So to everyone listening, this really means making your home less inviting. And let's not forget about wood piles. Those can be a real problem. Yeah, tell us about that. Yes, rodents just love to nest in woodpiles. If you store firewood, keep it away from your home's foundation. At least 20 feet if possible, stack it off the ground, and only bring in what you need for immediate use. That's practical advice.

Now, what if someone already has an infestation? Can they handle it themselves, or should they call in professionals? Pest management is really a team effort between the homeowner and professionals. For active infestations, especially with rodents or cockroaches, professional pest control is the most effective route. They can eliminate existing problems and help prevent future ones. Essentially, professionals address the root cause, not just the symptoms. DIY methods often just treat symptoms rather than solving the underlying issue.

I mean, that makes sense. You want someone who knows what they're doing, especially when you're dealing with health risks and property damage. Are there any other winter pests people should know about? Stink bugs are worth mentioning. They seek warmth inside homes during freezing temperatures. And here's something people forget. Termites can remain active year-round, although their activity may slow down during colder months. They don't necessarily take a winter break so pest control stays important, even in the cold months.

Wait, termites in winter? That's surprising? Yeah, they're relentless. So winter pest control means more than just preventing seasonal invaders. Maintaining your home's defenses all year long matters too. This has been really eye-opening. So the big takeaways are, seal entry point, control moisture, store food properly, and don't hesitate to call professionals if you spot signs of infestation. Together, we can keep our homes pest-free this winter.

Exactly. Prevention is your best defense. A little effort now saves a lot of headaches later. Down with pests. Couldn't have said it better. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise today. And to our listeners, stay warm, stay vigilant, and keep those pests outside where they belong. belong.