Do you think insects disappear when winter arrives? Many Albany homeowners are surprised to learn that insects and other pests remain active, often finding shelter in homes, garages, and sheds. Understanding how pests survive cold weather and taking preventive measures can help you protect your home from infestations during the winter months.

How Do Insects Survive Winter?

Insects and other pests adapt to cold weather using various survival strategies. These methods help them endure freezing temperatures and thrive until spring.

Common Winter Survival Strategies

1. Migration: Some pests move to warmer climates to avoid freezing temperatures.
2. Invasion: Insects invade homes, attics, and sheds, where they find warmth and protection.
3. Hibernation: Many insects enter a dormant state to conserve energy during the cold months.
4. Activity: Certain insects remain active, especially those living in aquatic environments like ponds or streams.

Winter Insects and Their Survival Stages

Different insects survive winter in various life stages, such as adults, larvae, nymphs, eggs, or pupae:

Adults

• Examples: Boxelder bugs, ladybugs, cluster flies.
• Habitat: Eaves, attics, hollow logs, and natural cavities.

Larvae

• Examples: Woolly bear caterpillars, blackflies, mosquitoes.
• Adaptations: Some burrow underground or replace body water with antifreeze-like substances.

Nymphs

• Examples: Dragonflies, mayflies, stoneflies.
• Habitat: Live in aquatic environments, feeding and growing under ice.

Eggs

• Examples: Grasshoppers, praying mantids, bagworms.
• Habitat: Overwinter on trees, shrubs, or in the soil.

Pupae

• Examples: Cecropia moth, black swallowtail butterfly, tomato hornworm.
• Habitat: Pupae attach to branches or other sheltered locations until spring.

Why Some Insects Thrive Despite Freezing Temperatures

Insects are resilient and adapt well to winter conditions. They survive best in stable temperatures, as fluctuating freezes and thaws can increase their mortality rates. However, they are rarely eradicated by cold weather alone, making preventive measures crucial.

How to Prevent Winter Pests

Winter pests can wreak havoc if left unchecked. Here are steps you can take to minimize the risk of infestations:

Garden Maintenance

• Clean Plant Debris: Remove old plants, vines, and trimmings from your garden to eliminate overwintering sites.
• Store Equipment Properly: Keep tomato cages, stakes, and hoses away from the garden.

Home Pest Proofing

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation.
• Secure Trash: Remove garbage cans and store them away from your home.

By maintaining a clean garden and pest-proofing your home, you can reduce the likelihood of winter pest invasions.

Professional Pest Control for Winter Infestations

Winter pests, including rodents, often invade homes seeking warmth and food. With approximately 21 million U.S. homes infested annually, professional pest control is essential for effective prevention and removal.

Thomas Pest Services offers customized solutions for rodent and insect control in Albany and surrounding areas. Our experienced team will help protect your home, family, and health from winter pests.

Call us at 518-861-4921 or contact us online for a free consultation and pest control plan tailored to your needs. Let Thomas Pest Services safeguard your home through every season!