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.

What Are the Most Common Winter Pests?

Pests that infest homes and buildings in winter are typically looking for warmth and steady access to food. Some of the most common winter pests in homes include rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas, ants, and flies.

They may:

• Chew on electrical wiring, insulation, or structural materials
• Contaminate food and storage areas with droppings
• 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 in storage areas.
• Signs of activity: Small droppings, gnaw marks, shredded nesting material, and light scratching sounds at night.
• Concerns: Contamination of food and surfaces, damage to wiring and insulation.

Rats

Rats are larger than mice and often indicate a more serious structural or exterior access 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 potential contamination. A rat infestation often requires a targeted control and exclusion plan.

Squirrels

Squirrels can enter attics and roof spaces through gaps in eaves, soffits, and rooflines.

• Where they hide: Attics, roof voids, and occasionally wall cavities.
• Signs of activity: Scratching or running noises overhead, gnawed entry points, nesting material in attics.
• Concerns: Chewed wiring, damaged insulation, and ongoing noise and mess.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are highly adaptable and can remain active indoors throughout the winter where warmth and moisture are available.

• Where they hide: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, around plumbing, and in cluttered storage areas.
• Signs of activity: Droppings, shed skins, egg cases, and seeing roaches when lights are turned on at night.
• Concerns: Cockroaches can contribute to allergy and asthma symptoms and contaminate surfaces. Learn more about professional options on our cockroach control page.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be an issue any time of year, including winter. They are 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: Small reddish-brown stains on bedding, shed skins, and bites that appear in rows or clusters.
• Concerns: Bed bugs do not typically transmit disease, but they can cause considerable stress and discomfort. See our bed bug treatment page for more details.

Fleas

Fleas are closely associated with pets, but once indoors they can survive in carpets, rugs, and furniture.

• Where they hide: Pet bedding, carpets, upholstery, and cracks in flooring.
• Signs of activity: Itchy bites on ankles and lower legs, pets scratching more than usual, and tiny dark specks (flea dirt).
• Concerns: Flea bites are very itchy and uncomfortable for both people and pets; controlling fleas often requires treating pets and their environment together.

Ants

Some ant species remain active indoors through winter where warmth and food are available.

• Where they hide: Wall voids, behind cabinets, under floors, and near plumbing.
• Signs of activity: Trails of workers around sinks, counters, or baseboards.

Flies and Other Occasional Invaders

Cluster flies, drain flies, and other occasional insects can also appear indoors during winter, especially on sunny days when they become active from hidden overwintering sites.

How to Get Rid of Common Winter Pests

The most effective winter pest plans combine regular inspections, good sanitation, structural repairs, and targeted control where needed.

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points

• Look for gaps around doors, windows, and the garage door where you can see daylight.
• Seal cracks in the foundation and gaps around pipes, cables, and utility lines with appropriate sealants and, for rodents, rodent-resistant materials.
• Repair or add screens to attic, crawlspace, and foundation vents.
• Check the roofline, 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 up spills and crumbs promptly, especially in kitchens and around pet dishes.
• Keep indoor and outdoor trash containers covered with tight-fitting lids.
• Reduce clutter in storage areas, basements, and garages 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 dehumidifiers where needed to reduce humidity.
• Keep firewood stacked away from the home and off the ground.

4. Use Traps and Targeted Treatments When Needed

• For rodents: Use properly placed traps along walls and runways. Always follow label instructions and consider professional help for larger infestations. Learn more at our rodent control page.
• For insects: Targeted treatments may be used in cracks, crevices, and harborages, following label directions carefully and using products appropriate for the situation.

While many homeowners use DIY methods for small issues, professional help can significantly speed up control for larger or recurring infestations.

5. Schedule a Professional Winter Pest Inspection

A winter inspection can identify pests you may not see every day and catch damage or activity before it gets worse. A technician can:

• Inspect attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages for signs of rodents and insects
• Point out structural or sanitation issues that increase pest pressure
• Develop 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 outside drives many pests to seek warmth, food, and shelter indoors. Homes, garages, and outbuildings offer all three, so winter is prime time for rodents and some insects to move in.

Can I wait until spring to deal with winter pests?

Waiting can allow pests to cause more damage or grow their populations. Rodents can chew wiring and insulation, and insects may spread to new areas of the home. It’s usually easier and more effective to address problems 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 most important steps. Even the best treatments work better when pests can’t easily get in or find food inside.

When should I call a professional?

Consider professional help if you’re seeing repeated pest activity, signs of damage, droppings in multiple areas, or if DIY efforts are not resolving the problem. A licensed pest control company can provide a thorough inspection and a tailored treatment plan for your home.