Which Pests Should I Be Concerned About During Winter

Residents in Orange County, CA have been known to say that winter here is just… less summer. That’s because even in December and January, it’s uncommon for temperatures to drop lower than 40 degrees at night. While we do experience intense winds, rain, or a general chill in the air, the days are typically mild, sunny, and dry. 

Unfortunately, there are some pests that enjoy our beautiful climate just as much as we do, making winter an important time to keep an eye out for unwelcome guests. That’s why Mosquito Squad is here to help by offering pest control in Orange County that helps you take back your home.

Sure, there are plenty of DIY methods you can turn to, and lots of simple improvements that will help keep pests at bay. But ultimately, professional pest control is the best way to help keep insects or even rodents away from your home and family. Let’s talk about it!

Winter is the best time for preventive action. Treating ant nests in winter disrupts egg-laying before spring colonies emerge. Sealing entry points and reducing moisture now prevents the spring surge. It's easier and cheaper to address pests during their lower-activity period than after populations explode.

Why Do Pests Stay Active During Winter in Orange County?

The same reason we love Orange County winters is the reason pests love them: the warmth. But while we love it because we’re not stuck shoveling snow all winter, pests love it because they can survive it. Unlike East Coast winters, our temperatures stay pretty mild all season, which means that rather than eliminating pest populations like cockroaches, ants, and rodents, it simply redirects them—and more often than not, right into your house.

Here are a few pests to look out for during the winter:

• Rodents. Rodents are the #1 winter pest in Orange County, invading an estimated 21 million US homes each winter (NPMA). Looking for food & water sources, they’ll enter your home however they can, including through attics, garages, gaps in plumbing, and foundation cracks. You’ll know you have rats or mice if you hear scratching in the walls (especially at night when they’re most active), see droppings or gnaw marks along baseboards or in cupboards, or notice unusual behavior from your pets.

• Termites. Subterranean termites are known to actively breed in winter, as their cycles typically run through February. Drywood termites can also remain active throughout the entire year. Each type of termite will leave mud tubes and insect excrement (also known as frass—it can be mistaken for sand or sawdust), so keep an eye out for swarms around this time of year.

• Ants. Argentine ants, in particular, will look for water sources and warmth during winter, which they’ll search for with their entire colony in tow. Pay special attention to your kitchen and bathroom(s), as these rooms are most likely to experience an ant infestation.

• Cockroaches. While cockroach reproduction slows in winter, it doesn’t come to a full stop, which means their populations often explode in the spring. These nasty bugs will often establish nesting sites during winter and stay more active in rooms with consistent humidity, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.

• Spiders. Black & brown widows, cellar spiders, and house spiders don’t go dormant in winter. Instead, they remain active and can typically be found in garages, sheds, or other undisturbed indoor areas. If you see them, it’s often an indication of other nearby insect infestations that they’re preying on.

How Does Mosquito Squad Help With Pest Control in Orange County?

When it comes to pest control in Orange County during the winter, Mosquito Squad takes it seriously. We’ll be there within 48 hours to perform your first treatment, or it’s free! Our highly trained technicians will always begin with an inspection of your home to locate and seal any entry points. 

Once your home has been reinforced, we’ll use our core barrier treatment (made with EPA-registered products) to treat your perimeter. Along the way, we’ll remove any swarms we find. Throughout the season, we’ll return every 3 weeks to treat again, always backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. 

Looking for Professional Pest Control in Orange County?

Ready to say goodbye to pests for good? Our Orange County pest control will have you back to enjoying your home and yard in no time. We’ll perform your first treatment within 48 hours, or it’s free. Then, we’ll come back every 3 weeks during the season to spray again and help keep you and your family protected.

With Mosquito Squad by your side, you can always count on us to provide a great customer experience alongside stellar service. To us, a 5-star experience means no hidden fees (ever!), and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee that backs up all of our expert work.

Ready to protect your Orange County home from pests? Call Mosquito Squad of Orange County at (714) 942-4331 or contact us online for a free assessment and quote.

Read about our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!