Autumn and Winter Threats to Watch
Generally, pests don’t like the cold. That’s why, as fall progresses and gives way to winter, they start migrating into your Meridian home in search of warmth, safety, and food sources. It doesn’t take much to entice pests to come inside. For example, overwintering insects settle in behind walls and rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps to enter walls.
Fall and winter in Idaho bring unique pest pressures to homeowners, but staying proactive now can save you from costly damage, contamination, and stressful infestations later on. Read on for a homeowner-friendly checklist of the biggest cold-weather pest threats and when to call a pest control company in Meridian for help.
Rodents
When temperatures drop, mice and rats start to enter through openings as small as a dime. Once indoors, they reproduce quickly, compounding your infestation issue. Rodents carry pathogens, damage insulation, ruin stored items, and chew wiring—just a few reasons to keep them outside where they belong.
What to watch for:
- Droppings in pantries, garages, or basements
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings
- Chewed wires, cardboard, insulation, or food packaging
- Greasy rub marks along trim or entry points
Homeowner checklist:
- Seal exterior gaps (pipes, doors, and siding)
- Store food in airtight containers
- Keep garages and storage areas clutter-free
- Schedule preventative rodent service before winter hits
Spiders
Spiders get really active with the arrival of cool weather. House spiders, wolf spiders, and cellar spiders are all common species in the Meridian and Boise area. Most are harmless, but their presence signals plentiful insects nearby.
Checklist:
- Reduce indoor moisture because spiders love humid areas
- Remove clutter where they hide
- Sweep webs regularly
- Check windows and weatherstripping for gaps
Ants
Ants may be less active in winter, but they still retain their colonies inside walls during the colder months.
You may notice:
- Ants in kitchens or bathrooms after warm spells
- Sawdust-like material (carpenter ant frass)
- Faint rustling inside walls
Boxelder Bugs and Stink Bugs
In late fall, these bug swarms slip indoors through cracks and stay hidden until spring. While they don’t cause structural damage, they reproduce in large numbers and quickly become a nuisance.
Look out for:
- Boxelder bugs
- Stink bugs
- Asian lady beetles
- Cluster flies
Checklist:
- Seal window frames, siding gaps, and attic vents
- Replace worn door sweeps
- Vacuum them up, but avoid crushing them as some release odors
- Ask your Meridian exterminator about perimeter treatments to prevent entry
Wasps and Hornets
Wasps begin dying off in fall, but queens can survive the winter in attics, vents, and wall voids. In spring, they build new nests and the cycle starts over.
Checklist:
- Inspect attic spaces for early activity
- Repair torn screens and soffits
- Don’t spray or disturb a nest yourself; hire professional help
Moisture Pests
Winter brings moisture that can attract pests such as: Earwigs, silverfish, millipedes, and springtails.
Checklist:
- Check for plumbing leaks
- Install proper ventilation in crawl spaces
- Place dehumidifiers in basements
- Adjust grading or drainage if water is pooling near the foundation
Importance of Professional Pest Inspections in Meridian
Fall and winter pests can be persistent, but early action makes a world of difference. A professional pest inspection in Meridian and surrounding areas can identify vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed so you can enjoy a warm, comfortable, pest-free home all winter long.
Contact Eco Pest Control – Meridian & Boise, ID
To schedule your free quote and inspection from our Meridian exterminators, please contact us today at 208-600-8734.
