Do Pests Hibernate in the Winter?

What is the first animal that comes to mind when you hear the word “hibernate”? If this were a game of Family Feud, the #1 answer would probably be “Bear” and no insects would make the list. But is this accurate? Do pests hibernate? You know that a lot of pests seem to disappear during the winter, but where do they go? All-American Pest Control’s experts are here to answer your questions about pests, winter, and hibernation.

What Does Hibernation Really Mean?

True hibernation involves a deep sleep with slowed metabolism and body functions. Animals like bears and groundhogs enter this state for months. While hibernating, they rely on their stored body fat to survive. True hibernation is a state entered into by mammals, so insect pests don’t hibernate. However, there is another term for the hibernation-like state that some insects enter. It’s called diapause. 

Which Pests Hibernate During Winter?

Insects like stink bugs and lady beetles enter a state called diapause. Diapause slows their activity, but they wake when temperatures rise, even if it’s in the middle of winter. If it gets cold again, they’ll reenter their dormant state. These pests cluster in attics, wall voids, and crawl spaces until spring. You’ll often see them in big groups in the fall as they make their way indoors, then again in the spring as they look for a way to get back outside.

Pests That Stay Active All Winter Long

Rodents, like mice and rats, remain active year-round as long as they have a place to live that’s warm and provides a good food and water supply. 

The German cockroach is another pest that thrives indoors regardless of outdoor temperatures. These filthy pests often move inside in the fall and infest kitchens and bathrooms, coming out at night to eat.

House spiders often move indoors in the fall, looking for warm shelter and insects to eat. If your house has an insect infestation, spiders will continue to hunt prey inside your heated home throughout the winter months.

Why Rodents Don't Hibernate

Mice and rats lack the biological ability to hibernate. In the fall, they begin to increase their hoarding behaviors to store up a supply of food. However, they continue to remain active and forage for food throughout the winter. To survive the coldest months, rodents often move indoors where conditions are ideal. They find the shelter, food, and water they need to thrive and can even continue breeding throughout the winter.

Indoor Pests That Never Slow Down

Cockroaches, ants, and silverfish stay active in climate-controlled homes year-round. These pests find warmth, moisture, and food sources inside all winter, allowing them to continue to expand their population with each passing month. Because they have no reason to go outside during the winter, like they might in the hot summer months, infestations often worsen without proper pest control.

What Happens to Outdoor Pests in Tennessee Winters?

We’ve talked about some of the pests you’re familiar with, but what about the rest of the ones you see all over the place in the summer? What happens to the pests that seem to disappear in the winter?

Mosquitoes are everywhere in the summer, but they die off when it gets cold out, providing us with a much-needed break from their bites. How do they show up again next spring? Before the females die, they leave behind eggs that survive the winter and hatch in the spring.

Wasps all die off except for the queens. They enter diapause in the winter, then emerge in the spring, ready to start a new colony.

Termites might seem like pests that would die off in the winter, but they are very good at surviving the cold. They simply tunnel deeper underground to avoid freezing temperatures. If there are termites in your house, they’ll remain active in the warmth and continue to damage the wood inside.

Ticks become dormant in leaf litter when it gets cold, but they’ll reemerge during warm spells. It’s not uncommon to see active ticks during a warm winter day.

Can Dormant Pests Wake Up During Warm Winter Days?

Mild Tennessee winters allow pests to become active during temperature spikes. As already mentioned, stink bugs and lady beetles may emerge from walls on sunny days. Ticks might find their way onto your pets as they take a walk outside. Ants and spiders venture out into the open when indoor heating creates comfortable conditions.

How to Protect Your Home From Winter Pests

Protecting your house from all of the pests that are eager to get inside for the winter starts in the fall. By implementing prevention methods now, you can save yourself a lot of stress later. All-American Pest Control recommends:

• Sealing cracks and gaps around your home's exterior and foundation to prevent pests from getting inside.

• Keeping firewood, leaf piles, and debris away from your house.

• Keeping foliage trimmed so it doesn’t touch your house.

• Storing all of your food in sealed containers and keeping your kitchen clean.

• Scheduling regular pest inspections to catch problems early.

Contact All-American for Winter Pest Control

Winter pests don’t hibernate, and even the ones that enter diapause often do so in your home. It’s a mistake to assume that pest problems disappear in the winter. Instead, be proactive about protecting your house by scheduling a pest inspection with All-American Pest Control. We can identify pest problems and implement a pest control plan that protects your home from all of the pests that like to move inside for winter.

We offer green pest control, perimeter treatments, and rodent control services, all designed around your home’s unique needs. Get in touch with us to discuss your options and which plan is best for your home.

Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, College Grove, Grassland, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing, Bent Creek, Bridgemore Village, Kings’ Chapel, Downtown Franklin, The Highlands at Ladd Park, Berry Farms, Polk Place, Rebel Meadows, River Landing, Rogershire, Shadow Green, Simmons Ridge, Southall Heights, Fernvale, Fountain Heights, Ehtridge, Lawrenceburg, Thompson Station, Santa Fe, and the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.