Think pest season is over just because temperatures drop? Think again.
While many pests go quiet during the colder months, they're not gone—they're just hiding. Behind your walls. In your crawl spaces. And anywhere else they can seek warmth and wait for warm weather to return.
At Mission Pest Control, we know the truth: winter pest control is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent future infestations when temperatures rise again in spring. Let's break down why seasonal pest control is essential and how you can protect your home now to save yourself stress later.
Why Pests Don't Just Disappear in Winter
Cold weather doesn't kill pests—it just pushes them indoors. Many insects and common winter pests like house mice, spiders, bed bugs, and stink bugs start their seasonal migration in early fall, sneaking into your home through tiny entry points in search of food, moisture, and warmth.
Even carpenter ants and fire ants—which are more active in spring—start building nesting sites during the winter, especially in urban areas like San Diego, where cold temperatures aren't severe.
Here's what they're looking for:
Moisture-loving pests gather near standing water and humid conditions (think bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms)
Rodents love attics and wall voids for building nests
Bed bugs hitchhike their way into bedrooms and living rooms
Crumbs, pet food, and unsecured trash cans act as all-you-can-eat buffets
Winter Pests to Watch Out For
Some pests are commonly found year-round in San Diego homes. These include:
House mice - Gnaw through walls, contaminate food, and leave behind droppings
Spiders, including brown recluse - Hide in yard debris, attics, and basements
Bed bugs - Thrive indoors and are hard to detect without a thorough inspection
Cockroaches - Seek moisture and warmth in kitchens and bathrooms
Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and other insects - Invade in winter and explode in numbers by early spring
What You Do Now Impacts Spring
Pest activity may slow down, but if you don't act quickly, you're setting the stage for a major pest problem when temperatures rise. Winter is the best time to:
Detect and eliminate potential entry points
Disrupt nesting sites before colonies grow
Use targeted treatments while pests are clustered together
Install bait stations in high-risk zones
Take preventive measures that stop pests from breeding
Trust us—dealing with a full-blown infestation in April is far worse than squashing the problem in January.
Smart Winter Pest Control Tips
Here's how to prevent pests and protect your home now:
1. Seal Entry Points
Use steel wool and caulk to seal gaps around pipes, utility lines, doors, and windows. Pay extra attention to areas near the garage, attic vents, and foundation cracks.
2. Eliminate Moisture
Fix leaks, clear clogged gutters, and reduce condensation in bathrooms and under sinks. Moisture-loving pests thrive in these conditions.
3. Declutter and Clean
Clear yard debris, trim tree branches, and organize other structures like sheds or crawlspaces. Indoors, vacuum regularly, store pet food in airtight containers, and empty the trash regularly.
4. Store Food Securely
Storing food in sealed containers and keeping kitchen surfaces clean helps deter pests like ants, roaches, and other pests who will contaminate food if given the chance.
5. Schedule a Thorough Inspection
A pest control professional can find early signs of pest activity in hard-to-reach places—inside walls, basements, attics, and outdoor areas.
Why Mission Pest Control Is Your Winter Ally
At Mission, we specialize in seasonal pest control designed for San Diego's unique pest patterns. Our winter services are focused on proactive measures, not just reacting to pests, but preventing them before they become a problem.
We don't just treat what you can see. We dig deeper to uncover what's hiding behind the scenes. Whether you're trying to prevent rodents, stop ants from marching in, or block other insects from taking over, we've got your back with smart, strategic solutions.
Ready to Protect Your Home This Winter?
The key to a pest-free spring is a smart winter plan. Don't wait for the pests to announce themselves in full force. Be proactive. Be prepared. Be pest-free.
Contact Mission Pest Control today for your winter pest control inspection and let us help you protect your home for the season—and every season after.
