As days grow shorter and temperatures fall, pest activity starts to shift in ways many Maryland homeowners don’t expect. Most homeowners in Montgomery and Frederick counties breathe a sigh of relief with fewer mosquitoes, fewer ants, and perhaps even a break from the summer pests.
But here’s the thing a lot of people forget: when it gets colder outside, pests don’t disappear. They move in.
That faint scratching in the wall? The sudden trail of ants near the sink? The stink bugs you swore were gone last month? All those clues mean pests are finding new ways to stay warm, often inside your home.
Cold Weather Doesn’t End Pest Season
Once temperatures dip, pests trade the outdoors for your heated spaces, basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
And with Maryland’s mild winters, research shows that some insects never fully go dormant; they just slow down and reemerge on warmer days.
That’s why you’ll still see activity even in cold months; it’s just happening closer to home.
How Common Pests React to the Cold
These common pests respond to dropping temperatures and start looking for warmth, food, and protection.
- Rodents (rats and mice): They don’t hibernate; instead, they squeeze through tiny gaps and settle in attics, garages, or walls.
- Ants, spiders, and cockroaches: They slow down outside but stay busy in the warmth of your home.
- Termites: Active year-round in warmed zones, feeding on wood in walls and floors.
- Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and ladybugs: Retire indoors as soon as the temperature drops, congregating in attics and wall cavities.
- Millipedes and centipedes: Look for dampness inside, particularly in crawl spaces and basements.
- Bed bugs: Remain active throughout the year as they depend on indoor heat rather than outdoor temperatures.
How Temperature Changes Drive Pest Behavior
According to pest behavior experts, even minor shifts in temperature can spark pest movement or new activity indoors. Here’s how it works:
- Heat draws pests inward: Some insects are drawn toward heat, a response known as thermotaxis. As your home radiates heat through siding and walls, that temperature gradient draws bugs toward it, and eventually inside.
- Warm spells “wake up” dormant pests: Even a few mild days above 50°F can reignite pest activity. You might notice ants, roaches, or spiders suddenly reappearing between cold fronts.
- Snow and insulation create shelter: Snow along your foundation traps heat, keeping soil temperatures higher and allowing pests like ants or termites to survive longer.
- Moisture fuels survival: Leaks and damp air give pests exactly what they need to survive inside all winter long.
- Pests cluster in warm spaces: During the cold months, pests centralize in walls, attics, crawl spaces, or ducts, which makes winter an ideal time for targeted inspection and treatment.
Why This Matters for Local Homeowners
Homes across Montgomery and Frederick counties face a perfect storm each fall. Older construction, wooded neighborhoods, and sudden weather swings all help pests stick around.
A sudden cold snap sends them indoors. A warm spell keeps them active. Cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and damp basements only make it easier for pests to move in.
Cold weather doesn’t end pest season; it just changes where the battle happens
Womack Pest Control Has Seen This Before
At Womack Pest Control, we’ve helped local homeowners through more winters than we can count. We’ve seen how Maryland weather stirs up pest problems — and we know how to stop them before they start.
When colder weather hits, our team focuses on what really works:
- Seal and Secure: We identify and seal cracks, vents, and gaps pests use to get inside.
- Target Hidden Zones: Attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, and basements are inspected and treated to stop pest movement early.
- Provide Year-Round Protection: Because pest pressure shifts with the weather, our ongoing protection plans keep your home guarded every season.
Our mission is simple: to protect your home so you can enjoy the comfort of winter without unwanted guests.
How to Stay a Step Ahead
Here’s how you can stay a step ahead before pests settle in.
- Inspect and seal any openings around your foundation, windows, or roofline.
- Keep firewood, leaves, and debris at least 20 feet from your home.
- Fix plumbing leaks and manage basement moisture with ventilation or dehumidifiers.
- Schedule a seasonal pest inspection with Womack to make sure your home is ready before winter fully sets in.
With a clear plan and the right partner, you can stay in control, not caught off guard.
Enjoy a Pest-Free Winter
Imagine a winter where the only thing moving inside your walls is warm air. No scratching, no surprises, and no stress. That’s what proactive pest protection brings.
Winter should bring comfort, not a new round of pest headaches. Let Womack Pest Control help you keep it that way,
Call us at 301-381-8526 to book your winter pest inspection today to remain one step ahead of the pest activity in Montgomery and Frederick County, and have a home that’s all yours this season.