With the cold months in full swing, we aren’t the only ones bundling up and trying to get cozy indoors. Insects, rodents, and other critters are also looking for warm places to spend the winter. An infestation can add unnecessary stress to your holiday season, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for common overwintering pests that are known to invade homes here in New Jersey.

In partnership with PestWorld, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released their 2022 Fall & Winter Bug Barometer® anticipating an increase in rodent and insect activity this time of year. To keep your property safe even with the uptick in pest activity, read tips from the experts at Eastern Pest Services!

What Are Overwintering Pests?

Overwintering pests are insects or wild animals that seek shelter during the cold months instead of hibernating through winter. As temperatures drop in the fall, these pests will try to find a warm place to stay – which often leads them right into our homes. Here in New Jersey, there are a few common overwintering pests that you should keep an eye out for:

Ticks: The NPMA predicts a warmer and wetter fall will allow ticks to survive well into the fall, which could give them a chance to sneak indoors. Even as temperatures drop, be sure to check your pets and belongings for ticks before coming inside.
Rodents: Rats and mice are some of the biggest problems for homeowners during fall and winter. They often nest in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and other hidden areas that are warm and offer ample access to food and water.
Stink bugs: Most people assume stink bugs are only a spring and summer pest, but they can remain active all year if they find a warm place to stay during the winter. Your house provides plenty of heat, food, and shelter for them to thrive.
House spiders: Though they are not considered dangerous, house spiders can be frightening to discover in your home. They typically prefer to live in quiet or hidden spaces and can last well into winter if they find a warm place to stay.

Rodent Infestations in Winter

The NPMA warns that cold and dry winter conditions could drive more rodents into our homes than other times of the year. Though rats and mice are common pests throughout the United States, they can be one of the most damaging to your property and well-being. Rodent infestations can cause all sorts of serious problems throughout your home, including:

Property damage: From insulation to floorboards, rodents are notorious for gnawing or shredding all sorts of materials. They do so to build nests or grind down their ever-growing incisors.
Fire hazards: Rodents really will chew on anything – electrical wires included! Experts estimate that rats and mice are responsible for around 20-25% of all fires that don’t have an apparent cause.
Serious diseases: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents are capable of directly or indirectly transmitting potentially deadly diseases such as hantavirus, monkeypox, and the plague.
Food contamination: Rodents often flock to the kitchen when they are looking for food, which means their droppings or urine could contaminate your kitchen and put you at risk of serious health issues.

Winter Pest Control Services in New Jersey

Found signs of pests on your property? Want professional help with pest prevention? No matter what you need, the experts at Eastern Pest Services have you covered! Our skilled technicians use integrated pest management techniques to provide you with safe and effective solutions geared toward long-term protection. To keep your home pest-free* this holiday season, call our exterminators today!