When temperatures drop in Central Texas, you might think pests take a break too. The truth is, cockroaches and spiders are actively looking for warm places to spend the winter—and your home is their ideal destination. Understanding how these unwanted guests behave during colder months can help you keep them outside where they belong.
Don't let winter pests take over your home. Contact A to Z Pest Control through our online contact form or call (512) 812-9311 today for effective solutions.
Why Cockroaches Seek Shelter in Winter
Cockroaches are resilient creatures, but they struggle when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In Williamson, Bell, and Travis Counties, winter nights can dip well below this threshold, sending these pests scrambling for warmth. Your home offers everything they need: consistent temperatures, moisture, and food sources.
German cockroaches, one of the most common indoor species in our area, are particularly drawn to kitchens and bathrooms during winter. These small, tan-colored insects can squeeze through cracks as thin as a dime's edge. Once inside, they reproduce quickly—a single female can produce up to 400 offspring in her lifetime.
American cockroaches, the larger reddish-brown variety, often enter homes through plumbing and sewer connections. They prefer basements, crawl spaces, and areas with high humidity. Winter's cooler outdoor temperatures make these indoor spaces even more attractive to them.
How Spiders Enter Your Home During Cold Months
Spiders follow a similar pattern when winter arrives. While many spider species can tolerate cold weather, they become less active and struggle to find food when insects become scarce outdoors. Your home provides both warmth and potential prey in the form of other indoor pests.
Common house spiders and cellar spiders are the most frequent winter visitors in Central Texas homes. They typically enter through gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utility lines. Once inside, they establish webs in corners, closets, and other undisturbed areas where they can catch insects.
Brown recluse spiders also seek indoor shelter during winter months. These spiders prefer dark, quiet spaces like attics, storage boxes, and behind furniture. While they're not aggressive, preventing their entry is important for your family's safety.
Signs of Winter Pest Activity
Catching an infestation early makes treatment much easier and less expensive. Here are the warning signs to watch for during winter months:
Cockroach indicators:
- Small dark droppings that look like ground pepper or coffee grounds
- A musty, oily odor in cabinets, under sinks, or behind appliances
- Egg cases (oothecae) that appear as small, brown, pill-shaped capsules
- Grease marks along walls where cockroaches regularly travel
- Live insects spotted at night when you turn on lights suddenly
Spider signs:
- Webs in corners, around windows, or in storage areas
- Small shed skins near web locations
- Live spiders, particularly in the evening hours
- Egg sacs that look like small, silky balls
If you notice multiple signs, it's time to take action. Professional pest control services can assess the extent of the problem and recommend appropriate solutions.
Seal Entry Points Before Pests Move In
Prevention starts with making your home less accessible. Both cockroaches and spiders can enter through surprisingly small openings, so thorough inspection is key.
Exterior Sealing
Walk around your home's perimeter and look for gaps, cracks, and openings. Pay special attention to areas where utilities enter the building, including pipes, cables, and wires. Use weather-resistant caulk or expanding foam to seal these openings. Check the foundation for cracks and repair them promptly.
Install or repair door sweeps on all exterior doors, ensuring they make solid contact with the threshold. Gaps under doors are common entry points for both cockroaches and spiders. Replace damaged weather stripping around windows and doors as well.
Interior Barriers
Inside your home, inspect areas under sinks, behind appliances, and around plumbing fixtures. Seal any gaps you find with appropriate materials. Install mesh screens over vents and chimney openings to prevent pest entry while maintaining proper airflow.
Check window screens for tears or holes and repair or replace them as needed. Even small holes can allow spiders to enter. Ensure screens fit tightly in their frames without gaps along the edges.
Reduce Moisture and Eliminate Food Sources
Pests need water and food to survive. By controlling these resources, you make your home much less attractive to winter invaders.
Moisture Control
Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and drains immediately. Cockroaches can survive for weeks without food but only days without water. Eliminate standing water in sinks, tubs, and shower areas. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity levels.
Check under sinks regularly for signs of moisture or leaks. Address condensation issues on pipes by installing insulation. Ensure your home's gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation to prevent moisture problems in crawl spaces and basements.
Food Storage and Cleaning
Store food in airtight containers made of glass or heavy plastic. This includes dry goods, pet food, and even items in your pantry that come in cardboard or paper packaging. Cockroaches can easily chew through these materials.
Clean up spills and crumbs immediately, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Take out garbage regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Wipe down counters and sweep floors daily to remove potential food sources.
Reduce Clutter and Hiding Spots
Both cockroaches and spiders thrive in cluttered environments that provide hiding places and undisturbed areas.
Start by decluttering storage areas, closets, and basements. Store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which cockroaches can use as both shelter and food. Keep storage boxes off the floor and away from walls to reduce hiding spots.
In your garage and outdoor storage areas, organize items and avoid letting newspapers, cardboard, or other materials pile up. These create ideal harborage for pests. Regularly clean behind and under appliances where crumbs and grease can accumulate.
Focus on High-Risk Areas
Certain areas of your home are more vulnerable to winter pest problems and deserve extra attention.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
These rooms provide the moisture and warmth that attract cockroaches. Clean behind and under appliances regularly. Wipe down the sides and back of your refrigerator to remove spills and crumbs. Don't forget to clean under the stove and dishwasher.
Check for leaks under sinks frequently. Repair any plumbing issues promptly. Keep these areas well-ventilated and as dry as possible.
Attics and Crawl Spaces
These areas often have entry points that go unnoticed. Inspect them seasonally for gaps, holes, or damaged vents. Look for signs of pest activity like droppings, webs, or shed skins. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup that attracts pests.
Basements and Storage Rooms
Keep these areas clean and organized. Use a dehumidifier if moisture levels are high. Store items off the floor and away from walls. Regularly vacuum and dust to remove spider webs and potential egg sacs.
When to Call Professional Help
While preventive measures are effective, sometimes professional intervention is necessary. If you're dealing with cockroaches or spiders that persist despite your best efforts, it's time to seek expert assistance.
Professional pest control technicians have access to specialized products and techniques that aren't available to homeowners. They can identify the specific species causing problems, locate hidden entry points you might miss, and develop a targeted treatment plan for your situation.
Regular professional inspections can also catch problems before they become serious infestations. This proactive approach often costs less in the long run than dealing with a full-blown infestation.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Season
Winter doesn't mean a break from pest problems—it just changes which pests you're dealing with and where they're trying to go. By taking action now to seal entry points, eliminate attractants, and maintain a clean environment, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of cockroaches and spiders making your home their winter retreat.
Don't wait until you spot pests to take action. The team at A to Z Pest Control understands the unique challenges Central Texas homeowners face during winter months. We're ready to help you protect your home and family from unwanted winter guests.
Reach out through our online contact form or call (512) 812-9311 to schedule an inspection or discuss your pest control needs.