Many home and business owners across Southern New England believe that once the temperature drops, pests disappear for the season. But plenty of them don’t die off in the winter—they just change locations… like your attic.
While some insects do die off or go dormant, many pests have adapted survival strategies that keep them alive and active during the coldest months. Some go into hibernation or diapause. Others migrate—or sneak into our homes or businesses to ride out the winter in comfort.
What Really Happens to Pests When It Gets Cold?
Insects and rodents are more resilient than many people think. When the weather turns cold, many species seek shelter indoors, entering attics, basements, wall voids and crawl spaces. Some slow down, but they don’t disappear.
Let’s take a look at how some common pests survive winter in New England homes and buildings:
- Stink bugs and western conifer seed bugs gather on the sunny sides of homes in fall and slip inside through cracks to overwinter in wall voids and attics.
- Boxelder bugs also congregate before winter, then move into insulated crevices, behind siding or inside your home, for warmth.
- Asian lady beetles (often mistaken for harmless ladybugs) cling to outside walls, then slip inside through gaps in windows and doors to overwinter.
- Rodents like mice and rats enter homes and businesses seeking food, warmth and nesting sites. A dime-sized opening is all mice need.
- Spiders, including house and attic-dwelling species, are often already living indoors. Many remain active in basements and crawl spaces all winter.
- Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid areas—especially kitchens and bathrooms.
- Ants may appear to vanish, but their underground colonies remain active beneath the frost line, waiting for spring.
Why This Myth Is Risky
Assuming pests die off in winter creates a false sense of security for home and business owners. The reality is, many infestations begin in the colder months, when pests are harder to detect. Indoors, they can spread germs, trigger allergies and even cause property damage.
What You Can Do
To help keep pests outside where they belong:
- Seal cracks, gaps and openings around windows, siding and foundations
- Store firewood away from your house
- Inspect holiday boxes and décor before bringing them inside
- Keep clutter to a minimum in attics, basements, storage rooms and garages
- Schedule regular professional pest control service
How Braman Can Help
Our MultiPest and MultiPest+ plans provide comprehensive residential protection all year long—including during the “quiet” winter months. We focus on long-term prevention, not just quick fixes. Our trained technicians know how and where pests enter, and they’ll help protect your home from hidden winter invaders.
Winter doesn’t mean pest-free—just pest-hidden. Whether you want a plan for year-round pest protection or treatment for a single infestation for anything from bats to bed bugs, you can request a quote online 24/7.