As the temperature drops across New Jersey, you grab a thick coat and turn up the thermostat. Unfortunately, the local wildlife has the same idea. While some animals hibernate in the wild, many common pests view your home as the ultimate winter survival shelter. Known as “overwintering,” this behavior drives rodents, cockroaches, and spiders indoors where it is warm, dry, and full of food.
The Unwanted Houseguests
You might think pests disappear when the snow falls, but they are often more active inside your walls than you realize.
Rodents represent the most significant winter threat. Mice and rats can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Once inside, they don’t just sleep; they breed. They shred insulation for nests, contaminate pantries, and chew through electrical wiring, creating dangerous fire hazards. They seek the warmth of your furnace or attic and quickly establish a colony right under your nose.
Cockroaches are another resilient invader. The German cockroach, specifically, cannot survive freezing temperatures outdoors. Consequently, they hitchhike on boxes or scuttle through cracks to find your kitchen. They gravitate toward the heat generated by appliances like refrigerators and ovens. Because they remain active all winter, a small infestation in November can become a massive problem by January.
Spiders also retreat indoors. While many spider species naturally live inside year-round, others move in from the cold seeking prey—the very insects that have also invaded your home. If you notice an uptick in spider webs in corners or basements, it likely signals that other pests are present to feed them.
Prevention Requires Professional Help
Sealing cracks and keeping a clean kitchen helps, but these measures often aren’t enough to stop determined pests. Overwintering pests are experts at finding the one entry point you missed.
This is why professional pest control is vital during the colder months. At Allison Pest Control, we understand the specific behaviors of New Jersey’s winter invaders. We don’t just treat the visible problem; we identify how they are getting in and where they are hiding. Protecting your home now prevents a population explosion when spring arrives. Don’t let your home become a winter resort for bugs and rodents.
Ready to protect your home from overwintering pests?
If you hear scratching in the walls or spot a roach in the kitchen, don’t wait for spring. Contact Allison Pest Control today for a comprehensive inspection and keep your home pest-free this winter.
