When it gets cold outside, a quiet movement begins inside houses and apartments: pests seek shelter, warmth, and food. Many people believe that pests are only a summer problem – but especially in winter the risk increases that they enter the house.
Why this is the case and how you can protect your home, you will learn in this article.
1. Cold outside – warmth inside: The natural incentive
Pests follow their instincts:
You are looking for places that are warm, dry, and nutrient-rich.
Typical winter guests:
- Mice & rats
- Silverfish
- Woodlice
- Spiders
- Beetles & moths
- Wood & house ants (depending on the region)
In winter, they lose their livelihoods outside. Inside, however, heating, insulation, and protected corners offer ideal conditions.
2. Small gaps are enough – pests are true acrobats
Only 6 mm is enough for a mouse to get into the house.
Silverfish only need microscopically small cracks.
Typical entry points:
- Door and window frames
- Basement shafts
- Pipe inlets
- Vents
- Garage doors
- Leaky spots in the masonry
Especially older buildings are vulnerable.
3. Winter means: Less food outside – more inside
Disappear outdoors:
- Fruits
- Together
- Insects
- Plant debris
Indoors, however, there are:
- Pantry cabinets
- Crumbs
- Garbage
- Pet food
- Heat sources
A paradise for pests.
4. Moisture – a magnet for silverfish & co.
Humidity rises indoors in winter because:
- Less ventilation
- Rooms are heated more
- Bathrooms and kitchens are used more frequently
Silverfish love warm, humid conditions: bathrooms, boiler rooms, laundry rooms.
How to effectively stop pests in winter
✔ 1. Seal entry points
- Silicone or acrylic for cracks
- Brush seals on doors
- Seal basement windows
✔ 2. Store food safely
- airtight containers
- Dry pantry cabinets
- Do not leave pet food out in the evening
✔ 3. Regularly ventilate & dry
- Ventilate 2–3× daily with short bursts
- Thoroughly dry damp rooms
✔ 4. Maintain cleanliness
- Remove crumbs
- Empty trash regularly
- Clean drains
✔ 5. Use traps & monitoring
- Mouse and rat boxes
- Sticky traps for silverfish
- Pheromone traps for moths
✔ 6. Professional inspection in case of severe infestation
As soon as noises, droppings, or damage become visible → call experts.
Conclusion
Pests do not enter the house by chance in winter.
They follow clear signals:
- Warmth
- Moisture
- Food
- Protection
With the right measures, an infestation can be quickly prevented or stopped. Those who stay vigilant and take precautions in winter enjoy peace all year round.
