Winter is the perfect time for family gatherings—but also for pests to invade your home. As the weather cools, mice, rats, and other pests seek the warmth and shelter of your living spaces. Florida Pest Control is here to help you identify pest hotspots and take preventive steps to keep your home pest-free.

Why Do Pests Invade Homes in Winter?

When temperatures drop, rodents, cockroaches, and spiders look for warmth, food, and shelter—often finding it in homes. The colder months bring scarcity in natural food sources, driving pests indoors. Once inside, pests target less-disturbed areas like attics, basements, or behind appliances.

Rodents, in particular, pose multiple risks, including health concerns, structural damage, and food contamination. Given these risks, it’s important to seek professional pest control assistance at the first sign of rodents on your property. Risks include:

Rodents can spread diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella.
Their gnawing can ruin wires, insulation, and even wooden beams.
Pathogens from rodents and pests can render stored food unsafe.

Which Pests Are Common in Winter?

In Florida’s mild winters, rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels are primary invaders. Additionally, you may encounter cockroaches, spiders, or even occasional wildlife like bats. Rodents are especially crafty, squeezing through openings as small as a dime and scaling walls or pipes with ease.

Signs of an Infestation

Worried about pests already inside your home? Look out for these signs:

Droppings: Found in pantries, basements, or corners.
Scratching Sounds: Listen for activity in walls or ceilings.
Damage: Gnawed wires, shredded paper, or chewed wood.
Unusual Odours: Foul smells in hidden or less-used areas.

How to Prevent Pests This Winter

We’ve developed a handy 7-step guide to help you pest-proof your property against typical autumn and winter pests.

Pest Hotspots Inside Your Home

Kitchen

Your kitchen is a prime target for rodents and pests looking for easy access to food. From crumbs on the counters to open containers, your kitchen can quickly become a buffet.

Wipe down surfaces and clean up spills immediately.
Store food in airtight containers to prevent access.
Empty bins daily to remove tempting food scraps.

Attic

Warm and dry attics are ideal nesting spots for rodents. They can damage insulation and even gnaw on wires, creating potential fire hazards.

Seal gaps in the roof and repair damaged tiles.
Store items in durable plastic bins, not cardboard.
Inspect cables and insulation regularly for signs of gnawing.

Garage

Garages often serve as an entryway for pests looking to move indoors.

Fill gaps to prevent access to the outside.
Keep food or pet supplies stored in sealed containers.
Ensure doors to the main house are sealed tightly.

Pest Hotspots Outside Your Home

Garden

Rodents and other pests love garden debris and compost piles.

Store compost in a tightly sealed container.
Remove leaves, rubbish, and overgrown vegetation near your home.
Trim shrubs and trees to eliminate pest pathways.

Outdoor Bins

Food waste in bins can attract pests if they’re not sealed properly.

Avoid overfilling bins and use tight-fitting lids.
Wash bins regularly to remove odors.

Air Vents and Gutters

Rodents can use vents and gutters as entry points or nesting spots.

Inspect vent covers for damage and replace them if needed.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If you suspect pests in your home, don’t wait. Look for droppings, nests, or unusual sounds in walls and ceilings. DIY solutions may not completely resolve the issue. Florida Pest Control offers expert pest management services designed to eliminate infestations quickly and safely.

Call Florida Pest Control today to schedule a free inspection and take back your home this winter!