Why Are Pests Still Active in January in Tennessee?

Have you been seeing spiders in your bathroom, spotting lady beetles in the corners of your ceilings, or hearing rodents scurrying through your walls at night? What’s going on? It’s January! Shouldn't pests be down for their long winter’s nap? Unfortunately, pest activity doesn’t stop when the weather gets cold. Instead, it simply moves indoors. 

With Tennessee’s mild winters, pests can stay active outside longer than in other parts of the country. Combine this with their ability to move into heated homes when it gets too cold outside, and it’s easy to see how pests can live in comfort throughout the winter, even if that means making you extremely uncomfortable in the process. Learn more about winter pests and how to protect your home from them below.

Which Pests Are Most Active During Winter in Tennessee?

Not every type of pest is active in January. Winter gives us a reprieve from mosquitoes, stinging insects, and a variety of other pests. However, there are plenty of others that move into our homes in the fall or winter and cause problems for us both in winter and throughout the year. The most common pests that All-American gets calls about in January are:

• Rodents- Mice and rats nest in attics, pantries, and crawl spaces and cause significant property damage and health concerns.

• Ants- If ants forage for food inside when soil temperatures drop, they may decide to stick around if your house is warm and provides an ample food supply.

• Cockroaches- Cockroaches thrive in moist areas, like bathrooms and basements, and they are known to spread over 30 types of bacteria.

• Termites- If termites have already gotten into your house, they can stay active in the warmth of your walls all winter.

• Stink bugs and lady beetles- These pests get into your house in the fall to overwinter in wall voids. They often emerge during warm winter days.

• Spiders- Spiders can get inside while looking for food or when they need warm shelter. They like to hide in corners, closets, and stored decorations.

How Do Indoor Conditions Help Pests Survive?

What do pests need to survive? The same things that humans do: Shelter, food, and water. Your home is the ideal place for you to live in comfort, so it makes sense that it’s the same for pests. It provides heat through the coldest months of the year, there is a readily available supply of food and water, and there are plenty of spaces where pests can nest without interference.

Although plenty of pests either die off or enter a hibernation-like state called diapause in the winter, the ones that move into your house typically remain active because of the conditions inside. Even the ones that do enter diapause, like Asian lady beetles and stink bugs, often become active on warm winter days.

Does a Mild Tennessee Winter Make the Problem Worse?

A warm winter can wreak havoc on pests’ natural rhythms. If the temperature keeps fluctuating, many pests don’t quite know what to do with themselves. Some wake up from diapause before they should, and others may start reproducing earlier than normal. Your house can be especially susceptible to growing pest problems during a mild Tennessee winter.

Could You Be Bringing Pests Inside Without Realizing It?

As if it wasn’t enough to worry about the pests that might find a way into your house on their own, you also should be aware of the pests that you might carry inside without realizing it. “Hitchhiker pests” are pests that get into your house by riding in on items that you bring indoors. These items can include:

• Firewood

• Groceries and grocery bags

• Stored decorations

• Cardboard boxes

• Luggage

• Or even your clothing

Common winter stowaways include spiders, pantry pests, and mice. It’s important to get into the habit of inspecting items before bringing them into your house.

What Are the Signs of a Winter Pest Problem?

How can you tell if winter pests have gotten into your house? There are a variety of signs that pests leave that can signal a problem. They include:

• Jagged holes or gnaw marks on food packaging

• Droppings in cabinets, on countertops, or along walls

• Scurrying noises in your walls or ceilings

• Living or dead pests

• Webs, egg casings, or shed skins

• Unpleasant or strange odors

What Can You Do to Prevent January Pest Activity?

Keeping pests out of your house this January is possible, but it doesn’t happen without effort. By implementing proven prevention methods and combining them with routine professional pest control, you can prevent January pest activity in your Tennessee home. All-American recommends the following prevention tips:

• Seal entry points around doors, windows, and utility lines

• Cut back foliage around the perimeter of your house

• Keep food sealed, trash emptied regularly, and your kitchen clean

• Reduce indoor moisture with ventilation and leak repair

• Declutter storage areas to eliminate hiding spots

• Schedule professional inspections and treatments, even in winter months

Why Consistent Winter Pest Control Matters

Winter is the time of year when pest problems have a chance to take root. The pests that move in at this time of year often go unnoticed, allowing them to become well-established before springtime leads to growing infestations. By implementing a winter pest control routine, you can get rid of any pests that have already moved in while also taking early action to prevent worsening spring problems.

Don’t skip winter pest control, thinking that pests aren’t a problem in January. All-American Pest Control’s home pest control provides year-round pest protection, including a winter treatment that is specially-designed for the coldest months of the year. We’ll provide the pest control you need for a pest-free home.

Schedule Your Winter Service With All-American Pest Control

If you’re ready to protect your home from winter pests, contact All-American Pest Control to schedule your free home evaluation. We offer season-specific pest control, even through the coldest months, backed by thorough inspections and a pest-free guarantee. Contact us today!

Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding 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: Sango, Woodlawn, Cunningham, Palmyra, Southside, Fredonia, Hilldale, Hickory Point, Clarksville, Ashland Hills, New Providence, St. Bethlehem, Needmore, Oakridge, Port Royal, Shady Grove, South Guthrie, Southaven, Dotsonville, Hampton Station, Marion, Rossview, and the entire Montgomery 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.