Winter Pest Myths Debunked – What Actually Happens to Bugs in Rolla, MO

Understanding Winter Pest Behavior in the Ozarks

Many homeowners in Rolla believe that winter magically wipes out all insects, but that is one of the biggest misconceptions in pest control. While freezing temperatures slow pests down, they do not eliminate them. In fact, winter can push pests closer to your home as they search for warmth and shelter.

At Plank Termite & Pest Control, we debunk common winter pest myths every year to help Rolla homeowners stay informed and protected.

Myth #1: All Bugs Die When It Gets Cold

The Truth:

Most pests do not die in winter — they adapt.

Different pests survive winter through strategies like:

• Overwintering inside warm gaps, cracks, and wall voids
• Entering diapause (a winter hibernation-like state)
• Finding heat sources around homes, sheds, and garages

Common Rolla pests that survive winter include:

• Brown recluse spiders
• Odorous house ants
• Cluster flies
• Boxelder bugs
• Wasps (especially overwintering queens)

Myth #2: Winter Means No Spider Activity

The Truth:

Brown recluse spiders can actually become more noticeable indoors during winter in Missouri. Cold weather drives them toward warmer areas inside the home, especially where they can hide undisturbed.

Common winter hiding spots for spiders include:

• Basements and utility rooms
• Behind storage boxes and clutter
• Inside closets and rarely used rooms
• Laundry areas and around water heaters

They remain active, especially during milder winter days, and will continue hunting for insects indoors.

Myth #3: Mice Only Enter the Home in Fall

The Truth:

Rodent activity often peaks during winter. Mice and rats are year-round invaders, but when temperatures drop, they urgently seek:

• Warmth
• Shelter
• Food
• Nesting materials

They can squeeze into openings the size of a dime and quickly set up nests in:

• Attics and crawlspaces
• Garages and storage buildings
• Kitchen cabinets and pantries
• Wall and ceiling voids

Once inside, rodents can breed rapidly, even in the coldest months, and cause damage to insulation, wiring, and stored items.

Myth #4: No Mosquitoes in Winter

The Truth:

Adult mosquitoes seem to disappear in winter, but next year’s mosquitoes are already in place. Eggs and some life stages can survive freezing temperatures and wait for warmer weather.

Mosquito eggs may:

• Overwinter in damp soil
• Hide in clogged gutters and standing water
• Survive in containers, buckets, and yard debris

That is why winter yard clean-ups, gutter maintenance, and moisture control help reduce spring mosquito populations around Rolla homes.

Myth #5: You Do Not Need Pest Control in Winter

The Truth:

Winter is one of the most important times of year to protect your home. Cold weather does not remove pest problems; it changes where pests live and hide.

Winter pest control is important because:

• Pests hide deeper in cracks, voids, and insulation where DIY sprays cannot reach
• Rodent activity often increases indoors
• Overwintering insects move into wall voids and attics
• Winter treatments can reduce spring and summer pest populations early

Our Perimeter Guard Plan includes essential winter protection so pests never get the chance to settle in.

Common Winter Pests in Rolla, MO

Even if you do not see them, many pests are still nearby during winter. Common overwintering pests in the Rolla area include:

• Brown recluse spiders and house spiders
• Rodents (mice and rats)
• Boxelder bugs and stink bugs
• Lady beetles and cluster flies
• Silverfish and other moisture-loving insects
• German cockroaches in heated indoor spaces

How Plank Termite & Pest Control Protects Rolla Homes in Winter

Our winter service is designed to target where pests actually hide when it is cold. We focus on both prevention and active problems so your home stays comfortable and protected.

A typical winter visit may include:

• Interior inspection of key areas such as basements, kitchens, and utility rooms
• Rodent entry-point checks around foundations, doors, and utility lines
• Treatment of wall voids and utility penetrations where pests like to overwinter
• Monitoring of attic and crawlspace conditions when accessible
• Exterior barrier refresh using weather-ready products
• Recommendations for sealing, moisture control, and clutter reduction

By keeping pests in check during winter, we help stop spring and summer infestations before they can build up.

Protect Your Rolla Home This Winter

Pests do not take the winter off, and neither do we. If you are seeing signs of rodents, spiders, or other winter pests around your Rolla home, it is a good time to schedule a professional inspection and treatment.

Call Plank Termite & Pest Control at 573-368-3333 or contact us through our website to schedule your winter pest service in Rolla, MO. Stay warm, stay protected, and keep the myths out of your home this season.