Top 5 Pests to Watch for in Grand Rapids During the Winter
As the temperatures drop in Grand Rapids, it’s not just people seeking warmth and shelter—pests are too! While winter may bring a break from mosquitoes and other summer nuisances, it also invites certain pests that love to cozy up in our homes. Here’s a look at five pests you’ll want to keep an eye on this winter, along with some tips to keep them out of your home.
1. Mice and Rats
Rodents are perhaps the most common winter invaders. As the cold settles in, mice and rats start looking for warmth and food, and your home can offer both. Once they’re inside, they can chew through wires, insulation, and even the structure of your home. Worse yet, they can carry diseases and spread germs.
What to Do:
Seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and your foundation.
Keep food sealed and clean up crumbs or spills immediately.
Set traps or call in a professional if you notice signs of rodents, such as droppings or gnaw marks.
2. Spiders
Though spiders are around year-round, they tend to become more noticeable in the winter as they move indoors in search of a stable environment. While most spiders in Michigan aren’t harmful, nobody wants to deal with cobwebs in the corner or a surprise spider sighting in the bathroom.
What to Do:
Regularly vacuum and dust to remove any spider webs.
Reduce clutter in your basement, attic, or garage—these are prime spider hangouts.
If you’re spotting large numbers of spiders, consider calling in a pest control professional to assess the situation.
3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches aren’t just a summer problem. These pests can thrive indoors during the winter, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where food, moisture, and warmth are plentiful. Cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children.
What to Do:
Keep food tightly sealed and clean up food scraps immediately.
Fix any leaks or moisture issues in your home, particularly under sinks.
If you notice cockroach activity, act quickly—an infestation can spread fast!
4. Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are a unique nuisance that tends to appear in Grand Rapids homes during the winter. These flies are drawn to warmth, and you might notice them gathering around windows or in attics. While they don’t pose a direct health threat, they can be quite annoying.
What to Do:
Check for any gaps or cracks around your windows and doors that could allow flies in.
Use a vacuum to quickly and effectively remove cluster flies when you spot them.
Prevent future invasions by sealing entry points and working with a pest control professional if the problem persists.
5. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that tend to thrive in dark, damp places like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They feed on paper, glue, and even clothing, making them a bigger problem than their size might suggest. They’re active throughout the year, but winter can make them more noticeable as they seek out warm, humid areas inside your home.
What to Do:
Reduce moisture levels in your home by using dehumidifiers, especially in basements and bathrooms.
Store important papers, books, and clothing in sealed containers to protect them.
Regularly clean out areas where silverfish may hide, like closets, cupboards, and attics.
How to Protect Your Home This Winter
Winter doesn’t mean a break from pest problems in Grand Rapids, but it does mean a shift in the types of pests that can find their way indoors. By taking some simple precautions, you can keep your home pest-free and avoid the headaches that come with infestations. If you’re dealing with pests this winter or want help preventing them, our team is ready to help! Contact us today for a professional inspection and peace of mind this season.
