As temperatures drop and winter settles in, pests don’t just disappear—many of them seek shelter inside homes and businesses to escape the cold. At Bug Squasher's, we understand the unique challenges that come with pest control during the winter months. Whether you live in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, or surrounding areas, here’s a guide to the most common winter pests in Maryland and how to protect your property.

Common Winter Pests in Maryland

1. Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Rodents are the top pests to watch out for during winter. They enter homes through tiny cracks and holes, searching for warmth, food, and water. Once inside, they can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases.

Signs of Rodents:

• Droppings around food storage areas
• Gnaw marks on furniture and walls
• Scratching noises in walls or ceilings

Prevention Tips:

• Seal cracks and holes around doors, windows, and foundations.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Keep clutter to a minimum to reduce hiding spots.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are resilient pests that can survive extreme conditions. During winter, they often find refuge in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Signs of Cockroaches:

• Droppings resembling coffee grounds
• Musty odor
• Shed skins or egg casings

Prevention Tips:

• Fix any plumbing leaks to eliminate moisture.
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
• Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices.

3. Spiders

Spiders may not pose serious health risks, but their presence can be unsettling. They typically enter homes in search of prey, which often means other pests are already present.

Signs of Spiders:

• Webs in corners, basements, and attics
• Sightings of spiders crawling around windows and doors

Prevention Tips:

• Remove webs regularly.
• Reduce clutter where spiders can hide.
• Install weather stripping around windows and doors.

4. Silverfish

Silverfish thrive in damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, and attics. While they don’t bite, they can damage books, wallpaper, and fabrics.

Signs of Silverfish:

• Small holes in clothing or paper products
• Yellowish stains in affected areas
• Sightings of silverfish at night

Prevention Tips:

• Reduce humidity levels with dehumidifiers.
• Store paper goods and clothing in sealed containers.
• Fix leaks to eliminate moisture buildup.

5. Ants

Although ants are more active in warmer months, certain species, like carpenter ants, can be a problem during winter. They may nest inside walls and wooden structures.

Signs of Ants:

• Trails of ants leading to food sources
• Small piles of wood shavings (carpenter ants)
• Hollow-sounding wood structures

Prevention Tips:

• Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
• Trim tree branches and plants touching the home.
• Seal entry points around doors and windows.

Bug Squasher's Pest Control Services

Bug Squasher's offers year-round pest control services to keep your home or business pest-free, no matter the season. We proudly serve the following areas:

• Annapolis, MD
• Glen Burnie, MD
• Ellicott City, MD
• Pasadena, MD
• Millersville, MD
• Baltimore, MD
• Catonsville, MD
• Cambridge, MD
• Easton, MD
• Kent Island, MD
• Chester, MD
• Smith Island, MD
• Chestertown, MD
• Berlin, MD
• And Surrounding Areas

Why Choose Bug Squasher's?

• Local Expertise: Our team knows the specific pest challenges in Maryland.
• Customized Solutions: We tailor our treatments to meet your needs.
• Safe Methods: Our eco-friendly approaches ensure safety for your family and pets.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand by our work and offer follow-up services as needed.

Schedule Your Winter Pest Inspection Today

Don’t let pests take over your home or business this winter. Contact Bug Squasher's today for a free inspection and customized pest control plan. Whether you’re in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, or nearby areas, we’re here to help you stay pest-free all season long.

Call Now or Visit Our Website to Schedule an Appointment!