How to Get Rid of Common Winter Pests

When winter hits the Treasure Valley, many pests don’t disappear—they simply move indoors. As temperatures drop, rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, and other insects look for the same things we do: warmth, shelter, and easy access to food.

That’s why winter is one of the most important times of year to pay attention to what’s happening in your attic, crawlspace, garage, and living areas.

Related links: Pest Resources | Rodent Control | Cockroach Control | Bed Bug Treatment | Contact Us

What Are the Most Common Winter Pests?

Winter pests are typically looking for warmth and steady access to food. In Treasure Valley homes, the most common winter pests include rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas, ants, and certain flies or occasional invaders.

They may:

• Chew on wiring, insulation, or stored items
• Contaminate pantries and storage areas
• Increase allergy and asthma triggers in sensitive individuals

Mice

Mice are one of the most common winter invaders. They can squeeze through very small openings and move quietly through walls, cabinets, and garages.

• Where they hide: Attics, crawlspaces, wall voids, behind appliances, and storage areas
• Signs of activity: Small droppings, gnaw marks, shredded nesting material, scratching at night
• Concerns: Food contamination and damage to wiring and insulation

Rats

Rats are larger than mice and often indicate a more serious exterior access or harborage issue.

• Where they hide: Crawlspaces, under decks, garages, and sometimes attics
• Signs of activity: Larger droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, greasy rub marks along walls
• Concerns: Property damage and contamination; a persistent problem often needs a targeted plan

Squirrels

Squirrels can enter attics and roof spaces through gaps in eaves, soffits, and rooflines—especially where wood is soft, lifted, or already damaged.

• Where they hide: Attics and roof voids
• Signs of activity: Running or scratching overhead, gnawed entry points, nesting material
• Concerns: Chewed wiring, damaged insulation, and ongoing noise and mess

Cockroaches

Cockroaches remain active indoors throughout winter anywhere warmth and moisture are available.

• Where they hide: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, around plumbing, and cluttered storage
• Signs of activity: Droppings, shed skins, egg cases, or roaches seen when lights turn on at night
• Concerns: Contamination and allergy/asthma triggers; learn more on our cockroach control page

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be a problem any time of year, including winter. They’re most often introduced through travel, used furniture, or guests.

• Where they hide: Mattresses, box springs, bed frames, furniture seams, and cracks near sleeping areas
• Signs of activity: Reddish-brown stains on bedding, shed skins, and bites in lines or clusters
• Concerns: Stress and disrupted sleep; see our bed bug treatment page

Fleas

Fleas are closely tied to pets, but once indoors they can survive in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and cracks in flooring.

• Where they hide: Pet bedding, carpets, upholstery, and floor cracks
• Signs of activity: Itchy bites on ankles/lower legs, pets scratching, tiny dark specks (flea dirt)
• Concerns: Effective control usually requires treating pets and the home environment together

Ants

Some ant species remain active indoors through winter—especially where warmth, moisture, and food are consistently available.

• Where they hide: Wall voids, under floors, behind cabinets, near plumbing
• Signs of activity: Trails near sinks, counters, pet food, or baseboards

Flies and Other Occasional Invaders

Cluster flies, drain flies, and other occasional insects can appear indoors during winter—especially on sunny days when they warm up and become active.

How to Get Rid of Common Winter Pests

The most effective winter pest plan combines inspection, sanitation, repairs, and targeted control where needed.

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points

• Check gaps around doors, windows, and garage doors (if you can see daylight, pests can often get in).
• Seal foundation cracks and gaps around pipes, cables, and utility lines with appropriate sealants.
• For rodents, use rodent-resistant materials (like hardware cloth) where needed.
• Repair or add tight-fitting screens to attic, crawlspace, and foundation vents.
• Inspect rooflines, soffits, and eaves for openings that could allow squirrels or other animals into the attic.

2. Eliminate Food and Clutter

• Store pantry items and pet food in sealed containers.
• Clean spills and crumbs promptly—especially around pet dishes and kitchen appliances.
• Keep indoor and outdoor trash containers covered with tight-fitting lids.
• Reduce clutter in garages, basements, and storage areas where pests can hide and nest.

3. Address Moisture and Warm Harborage Areas

• Fix leaking pipes, faucets, and appliances that create damp conditions.
• Use exhaust fans and reduce humidity where moisture builds up.
• Keep firewood stacked off the ground and away from the home.

4. Use Traps and Targeted Treatments When Needed

• For rodents: Place traps along walls and runways where rodents travel. If activity is persistent, learn more on our rodent control page.
• For indoor insects: Use targeted treatments in cracks, crevices, and known harborages—always following label directions and using products appropriate for the situation.

DIY steps can help for small issues, but professional help often speeds up control when pests keep returning or activity is widespread.

5. Schedule a Professional Winter Pest Inspection

A winter inspection can identify pests you may not see every day and catch damage early. A technician can:

• Inspect attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages for signs of rodents and insects
• Identify entry points and conditions that increase winter pest pressure
• Build a customized control and prevention plan for your home

If you’re dealing with ongoing winter pest issues in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or surrounding areas, our local service teams can help you put a plan in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see more pests inside during winter?

Cold weather pushes many pests to seek warmth, food, and shelter indoors. Homes, garages, and outbuildings offer all three, so winter can be prime time for rodents and certain indoor insects.

Can I wait until spring to deal with winter pests?

Waiting often makes problems worse. Rodents can chew wiring and insulation, and indoor insects can spread into new areas. It’s usually easier and more effective to address issues as soon as you notice them.

What’s the most important step to prevent winter pests?

Sealing entry points and reducing food sources are two of the biggest wins. Even the best treatments work better when pests can’t easily get in or find reliable food inside.

When should I call a professional?

Consider professional help if you’re seeing repeated activity, droppings in multiple areas, signs of damage, or if DIY efforts aren’t resolving the problem. A licensed pest control company can inspect, identify the source, and tailor a plan to your home.