Many people assume that pests disappear when cold weather arrives. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Pests don’t take a winter break: they just find new ways to invade your home. From rodents seeking warmth in your walls to insects hiding in your bathroom, year-round pest control is essential for protecting your property and family long-term. With colder weather in full swing, we took a dive into some of your most commonly asked questions about winter pests and year-round pest control.

"Pests die off when it's cold, so they aren't a problem in winter. Is that true?"

Contrary to popular belief, many pests adapt to survive the colder months. Rodents like mice and rats move indoors to find food and warmth. Insects like cockroaches and silverfish seek shelter in dark, undisturbed areas like garages and attics. Termites, though less visible, continue eating away at your home’s structure year-round.

"Which pests are most active during winter?"

• Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for squeezing through tiny cracks or gnawing entry points into homes.
• Cockroaches: These resilient pests thrive in warm, humid, spaces or areas with easily accessible food.
• Spiders: Often harmless but still unwelcome, spiders hide in quiet, dark spaces during winter.
• Termites: Winter weather does not stop termites from eating away at wood in your home.

"How do pests survive the cold?"

Many pests enter a state of diapause—a hibernation-like period—to survive the cold.  Some insect species (like boxelder bugs and attic flies) may settle into cracks or crevices on your home's exterior, in screens, vents, or within wood insulation. However, this isn't the case for all pests. For example, rodents stay active by seeking out warm environments to burrow in.  Other insects, like cockroaches, prefer to hide in walls, bathrooms, under counters & appliances, or in furniture. These adaptive behaviors mean consistent pest control is necessary, no matter the season, since you may not even know they are already in your home.

"What kind of damage can pests cause during the winter?"

• Structural Damage: Termites and rodents can chew through wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring, leading to costly repairs and fire hazards.
• Contamination: Rodents and cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces, spreading harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
• Health Risks: Pests like rodents and cockroaches are known carriers of allergens and pathogens that can trigger asthma and allergies, particularly in children.

 "How does continuous pest control prevent pests?"

Ongoing pest control treatments address unwanted guests before they get into your home. By staying ahead of pest activity, this proactive approach ensures your home remains secure, clean, and comfortable throughout the year. Whether it’s sealing entry points before winter or applying preventative treatments in the spring, year-round service is key to keeping pests out for good.

Stay Protected All Year Long with Turner

With Turner Pest Control’s year-round services, you can enjoy peace of mind through every season. Save time, money, and ensure consistent protection with the TurnerGuard Complete Home Protection Bundle.

Instead of scheduling separate services for different pests, the TurnerGuard Complete bundle offers comprehensive, year-round protection against pests, termites, rodents, and mosquitoes in one affordable package. Our bundle includes:

• Regular Inspections: Identifying pest entry points and early signs of infestation.
• Seasonal Treatments: Targeted solutions for pests active in each season.
• Rodent Control: Sealing entry points and removing existing rodents.
• Mosquito Management: Monthly treatments to keep your yard bite-free.
• Lawn Care: pH testing and lawn aeration to prevent pest-friendly environments.

Kick off spring pest-free! Call us today at (904) 495-7698 or fill out our free inspection form to learn more about our year-round pest control solutions.