Common Pests That Become Inactive During Winter
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
- Wasps
- Mosquitoes
- Ticks
Pests That Stay Active in Winter
How Winter Dormancy Affects Pest Infestations
Winter Pest Prevention Tips
Should You Still Book Pest Control in Winter?
Knockdown Pest Control, Your Proactive Pest Prevention Solution

When the cold months roll in, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief, thinking pests have disappeared. But while pest activity might slow down, it doesn't stop completely. In fact, some pests go into hiding, waiting for warmer weather to return, and your home might be their winter hideaway. Understanding which pests become dormant and which stay active is the first step toward year-round protection.

Common Pests That Become Inactive During Winter

Not all pests vanish when temperatures drop. Some enter a state of dormancy, much like hibernation.

Ants

Ants typically retreat deep into their nests underground to conserve energy. They enter a state of diapause, becoming sluggish and inactive until the soil warms up again. Since ants are cold-blooded insects, their body temperature depends on the environment. When temperatures drop, their metabolism slows down significantly, making it difficult for them to stay active or find food. This dormant state, called diapause, isn't true sleep but a period of minimal activity that helps the colony survive until warmer weather returns.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches go dormant in the cold months because they are cold-blooded insects and can't regulate their internal body temperature. When the temperature drops, their metabolism slows down dramatically, making it harder for them to move, feed, or reproduce. While some cockroach species, like the American cockroach, slow down or die off in cold environments, others, like the German cockroach, can survive indoors if conditions are warm and moist. This indicates that they might move into your property to stay warm in places such as your cellar or crawl spaces. Fortunately, they reproduce much more gradually at this time.

Spiders

Spiders also go dormant during the cold months as a way to survive harsh winter conditions. While not all spider species behave the same way, most outdoor spiders die in winter, but some overwinter in secluded areas like attics and crawlspaces. They become sluggish and inactive but may become a nuisance again in spring. In short, dormancy helps spiders ride out winter safely, often hidden in warm, undisturbed places, so they can become active again when the weather warms up.

Wasps

Wasps abandon their nests in late autumn. Only the queen survives by hiding in sheltered spots like wall voids or under bark, re-emerging in spring to start a new colony. So while most of the colony dies, dormant queens ensure the species survives by re-establishing new nests when the weather warms up.

Mosquitoes

Most mosquitoes either die or become dormant during winter. However, female mosquitoes can survive by hibernating in protected places like storm drains, burrows, or caves. Before hibernation, they stop feeding on blood and begin storing fat. Some may even carry eggs while inactive. Only certain mosquito species can survive winter as larvae. Male mosquitoes cannot handle the cold and die off as temperatures drop.

Ticks

Most types of ticks become inactive during the cold months. This helps them conserve water and produce substances to stay warm. However, some species like the black-legged tick remain active as long as temperatures stay above freezing. Even in winter, it’s important to check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. When the weather warms up, ticks become more active again, as both insects and potential hosts are more abundant.

Pests That Stay Active in Winter

While some pests go quiet, others remain annoyingly active.

Rodents

Rats and mice actively seek food and warmth indoors. They can squeeze through tiny gaps and chew through wood, wires, and insulation, causing major damage.

Termites

In warmer regions or heated indoor environments, termites can stay active year-round. Subterranean termites, in particular, continue to feed and build colonies in winter.

German Cockroaches

Unlike their American cousins, German cockroaches thrive indoors during the winter if there is sufficient warmth, food, and moisture.

How Winter Dormancy Affects Pest Infestations

Pests might not be visible, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. Winter dormancy often means:

Hidden nests are growing unnoticed
Reproduction paused, but not eliminated
A sudden surge of pests once spring arrives

When pests go dormant in your home’s hidden spaces, they can continue to pose long-term risks. Their presence can go undetected for months, allowing colonies to grow or eggs to accumulate. Come spring, these dormant populations often reawaken en masse, leading to rapid infestations that seem to appear overnight. Additionally, dormant pests can attract predators like rodents and spiders, creating secondary pest issues. Addressing dormant threats during the winter months helps break the pest lifecycle before it becomes a full-blown problem in warmer seasons.

Winter Pest Prevention Tips

Stay ahead of the problem with these simple but effective measures:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect and close off cracks, gaps, and vents around doors, windows, plumbing, and foundation walls. Even the smallest openings can become a highway for pests.
Declutter Storage Areas: Organised storage makes it harder for pests to find nesting spots. Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes in attics, garages, and basements.
Maintain Dryness: Moisture is a magnet for pests. Fix leaky pipes, clean gutters, and use dehumidifiers in damp-prone areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawlspaces.
Regular Cleaning: Crumbs, spills, and leftover pet food can sustain a pest population through the winter. Vacuum regularly, empty trash often, and keep food in airtight containers.
Install Screens and Weather Stripping: Fine mesh screens over vents and chimneys help block entry points. Weather stripping on doors and windows improves insulation and keeps insects out.
Inspect Holiday Decorations: Seasonal decorations stored in garages or attics can become pest shelters. Unpack items outdoors and inspect for signs of insects or rodent activity before bringing them inside.
Trim Outdoor Vegetation: Branches and shrubs touching your home can act as bridges for pests. Keep foliage trimmed at least a foot away from the building.

Implementing these steps during winter helps you build a pest-resistant home while addressing potential issues before they escalate.

Should You Still Book Pest Control in Winter?

Yes! Professional pest control isn't just reactive—it’s proactive. Winter treatments allow you to stay one step ahead, setting the foundation for a pest-free year. Winter is the ideal time for professional inspections and treatments—and here's why:

Catch Hidden Infestations Early: Many pests lie low in hard-to-reach areas during winter. A trained technician can detect early signs of activity before it becomes a full-blown infestation.
Disrupt Pest Life Cycles: Addressing dormant pests now can break their breeding cycles and reduce their population in spring.
Prevent Costly Damage: Pests like rodents and termites can still cause structural damage during the colder months. Early intervention saves money on repairs later.
Maintain a Healthy Home Environment: Pests bring allergens, bacteria, and contaminants. Even during dormancy, they can affect indoor air quality and sanitation.
Enjoy Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home is protected during the "quiet" season helps ensure you're not blindsided when warmer weather returns.

Knockdown Pest Control, Your Proactive Pest Prevention Solution

If you're looking for a reliable partner to protect your home from winter pest threats, Knockdown Pest Control offers expert solutions tailored to every season. With years of experience and a team of licensed professionals, Knockdown provides: