Where Do Insects & Pests Go in Winter in Pittsburgh, PA? Migration, Hibernation & More

As the temperatures continue to plummet this fall, Stewart Termite & Pest Control is gearing up to help our customers this winter. Every season presents its own set of unique insect and rodent conditions. Winter is no different. Our customers frequently will ask us if they can expect less insects and rodents during the winter because of the colder weather. Today we are going to spend some time answering that question for you.
What do pests do during the winter? The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you may think. The answer truly depends on the type of the insect. One thing is absolutely certain though is that there are fewer bugs out and about during the colder winter months. Insects simply cannot survive when the temperature gets too cold.

Insect Migration

Some insects will migrate to a warmer location. Butterflies are an excellent example of this. Monarch butterflies that live east of the Rocky Mountains will travel down to central Mexico to help them stay warm during the winter. Butterflies that live west of the Rocky Mountains will fly to Santa Barbara, California.

Pests Try to Spend Winter in Our Homes

Other insects will try to find shelter in a warmer environment for the winter. If they live in the wilderness they will search for hollow logs or other natural cavities to live in for the winter. Many insects will seek shelter in your home. Cockroaches, scorpions, and spiders all frequently will find somewhere nice and cozy in your home to live for the winter. They will crawl into walls, attics, basements, or any other place that they can find somewhere warm to live.

Insect Hibernation

Another group of insects will hibernate for the winter. There are many different ways that insects will go about their hibernation process. Yellow jackets, paper wasps, mosquitoes, and other insects will find a warm spot that they can become dormant in for the winter. Other insects will form cocoons for the winter. Moths are examples of this type of hibernation.

Some Insects Become Inactive in Cold Temperatures

Other insects will simply slow down for the winter. Ants take this approach to safely making it through the cold winter months. They will consume more food before winter actually hits so that they have more fat on their bodies. Then when it gets cold outside their body temperature drops. A lower body temperature makes they become more sluggish. After the weather warms up and their body temperature increases they will continue life as normal.

Some Pests Die in Winter

Some insects simply do not have a solid plan for the winter. They will lay a large amount of eggs and then they simply die when the temperatures get to cold for them. Their eggs will grow during the winter months and hatch when the temperature increases again.

Pest Management

As you prepare your home for winter give Stewart Termite & Pest Control a call. We can come out and spray your home thoroughly to prevent those pests that are looking for a place to live this winter from coming into your home.