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December is here! The air is crisp, the neighborhood is glowing with Christmas lights, and it feels like everything, pests included, should be settling in for a long winter’s nap… right? Not exactly. While we cozy up indoors, many pests remain active, and the chilly weather can actually drive them straight into your home.
If you’ve always thought winter meant a break from bugs and critters, you’re not alone, but it’s time to shift that mindset. With a little know-how about which pests are active this time of year, plus a few simple prevention tips, you can keep your home protected all December long and well into the winter season.
What Pests Are Still Active in Tennessee During December?
Many pests remain active through the winter. Tennessee has fairly mild winters, which allows many pests to survive the colder weather. Pests that require warmth often move inside at this time of year and happily make your house their home.
Which pests are still active in Tennessee in December?
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Mice and rats
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Cockroaches
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Ants
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Spiders
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Silverfish
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Termites
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Ticks
Why Don’t Mice and Rats Hibernate in Winter?
Mice and rats don’t hibernate because they can have their needs met through their foraging habits. Furthermore, it’s extremely easy for them to find a warm place where they can shelter through the winter. They only need a tiny opening to get inside, and once they’re in your house, they’ll have plenty of space to build a nest, plenty of water for survival, and plenty of food to get them through the winter.
Unfortunately, when they get into your house, mice and rats cause a lot of problems. They damage your belongings as well as important parts of your house, like pipes and electrical wires. Mice and rats also spread dangerous diseases by contaminating your food. Keeping these pests out of your home requires you to be proactive and stop them before they get inside.
Where Do Cockroaches Hide During the Winter?
Although several types of cockroaches are active in Tennessee, you’re most likely to see German cockroaches in your house in the winter. These pests are primarily indoor pests, regardless of the time of year, so they stay active throughout December.
German cockroaches prefer warm, damp, dark locations and can often be found in kitchens and bathrooms. They can eat almost anything, and with holiday baking at its peak in December, they are likely to find more than enough food to keep them growing and reproducing.
Are Ants Still a Problem Inside Homes in December?
Many ants become dormant when the weather gets cold. They’ll go deep into underground nests and wait out the coldest months of the year. However, not all ants disappear in the winter. If ants get into your house while temperatures are still mild, they may decide to move in for the winter. Indoor ant colonies can remain active through the winter, since it’s warm and they have a steady food source.
Ants usually get indoors while foraging for food. If there is a healthy supply that will feed their colony, they may decide to stick around. If ants move into your house, they're likely to nest in wall voids or near electrical equipment. Carpenter ants nest in wooden structures in your house, chewing tunnels through wood and weakening it over time.
Do House Spiders Stay Active During the Cold Months?
House spiders can be found in homes at any time of year. They are often more evident in the fall, since that is the time of year when they become most active and the time when they are looking for warm shelter.
Once inside your house, house spiders can survive and stay active through the winter as long as they have a food source. Spiders eat insects, so an active house spider infestation typically indicates that other pests are active in your home as well. You’re most likely to find spiders in the corners of ceilings and in storage spaces, like basements, attics, and closets.
What Damage Can Silverfish Do in Winter?
Silverfish can remain active through the winter in your house. They are attracted to moist environments that offer warmth and shelter. Although they aren’t a danger to your health or home, they do cause damage to your belongings. They like to eat paper, glue, starches, and pantry items, so they can damage books and contaminate food.
A silverfish infestation may be a sign of moisture issues in your house. It’s important to not only take care of your silverfish problem but to address the source of the issue to avoid further problems down the road.
How Do Termites Survive the Winter?
Termites are sneaky little troublemakers. Because they work quietly behind the scenes, most homeowners have no idea they’re even there. And while many people keep an eye out for them during the warmer months, it’s easy to relax once December rolls around, assuming termites take the winter off. But that’s one assumption that can lead to big problems.
The truth is, termites stay active all year long. When temperatures drop, they simply move deeper underground, where it stays warm and comfortable. And if termites have already made themselves at home inside your walls, they’re perfectly content to hang out there all winter, steadily munching away at your home’s structure.
Catching a termite infestation early is tough, especially before the damage becomes noticeable. That’s why All-American Pest Control recommends a yearly termite inspection. Our trained professionals know exactly what to look for, and if they spot even the slightest sign of activity, we can step in quickly to protect your home.
Can Ticks Still Be Active in Mild Tennessee Winters?
Surely ticks are pests you can forget about each winter, right? Wrong. Although ticks do go dormant for a lot of the winter, they become active during warmer days, even in the middle of winter. Although you don’t need to worry about them infesting your house, you should be on alert if your pets or children spend time outside on a warm winter day. Be especially cautious after spending time in the woods or in your leaf-littered yard.
Why Do Overwintering Pests Emerge Indoors on Warm Days?
Just as ticks become active outside on warm winter days, seasonal pests often become active inside on warm winter days. Stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs enter homes in the fall and look for a wall void or attic space where they overwinter. This state of diapause is similar to hibernation, and the insects often wake up on warm days, even in the middle of winter.
If seasonal pests suddenly appear on a warm winter day, you can vacuum up the ones you see. Don’t squish them, since some smell bad and others leave stains. You’ll also want to give All-American a call, since their presence means that many others are hidden in out-of-the-way areas of your house.
How Can You Prevent a Winter Pest Infestation?
With all of these pests staying active through the winter, you may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against pest infestations. However, with the right prevention strategies, you can make sure your house stays pest-free this December. Try these tried-and-true prevention tips from All-American Pest Control:
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Seal gaps, cracks, and holes in your foundation and siding, and around windows and doors.
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Cover vents and fill gaps around utility entry points.
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Reduce moisture inside and outside.
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Remove food sources by storing food in sealed containers and cleaning up after meals.
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Clean out unneeded clutter.
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Trim trees, shrubs, and grass, and remove leaf litter and lawn debris.
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Store garbage bins and firewood at least 20 feet from your house.
When Should You Call a Pest Control Expert?
A little prevention goes a long way in keeping pests out, but the strongest defense comes from pairing your DIY efforts with professional pest control. While your at-home steps help reduce the chances of an infestation, professional treatments add an extra layer of protection and take care of any unwanted guests that may already be inside.
So, when should you reach out to All-American for professional pest control?
You’re in the right place if:
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You’ve noticed pests popping up for several days in a row
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You’ve spotted signs of pests—even if you haven’t seen the pests themselves
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You’ve tried DIY methods, but the problem keeps coming back
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You simply want reassurance and the peace of mind that your home is protected
Professional pest control is almost always the quickest and most reliable way to get rid of pests and keep them from returning. It’s also a better option for your family and pets because trained experts use the right techniques and specialized products to treat your home with care.
Contact All-American to Get Rid of Winter Pests For Good
Plenty of pests are still active in December, but they don’t have to ruin your peace of mind. Schedule your inspection or pest control service with All-American Pest Control today to ensure your home is fully protected from pests this month and throughout the winter. Get in touch with us today.
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: Brentwood, Centerville, Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Arrington, Leiper’s Fork, Windstone, Westhaven, McKay’s Mill, Ladd Park, Rizer Point, Silver Stream, Annandale, Canterbury, Governors Club, Avalon, LaurelBrooke, Belle Vista, Lockwood Glen, Lookaway Farms, Maplewood, McLemore Farms, Meadowview Estates, College Grove, Franklin, Nolensville, Primm Springs, as well as 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.