Winter does not end pest problems in Colorado Springs. It changes where they happen. Outdoor insects slow down or go dormant, while pests that found a way inside in the fall keep living in walls, attics, basements and garages.

Pests that stay active indoors

• Mice and rats are the most common winter call. They nest in insulation, wall voids and garages and stay active all season.
• Overwintering insects such as cluster flies, boxelder bugs and stink bugs hide in walls and attics and wander out on warm, sunny days.
• Spiders already living indoors keep hunting other insects in basements, garages and window wells.
• Pantry pests like Indian meal moths and flour beetles are not affected by outdoor temperatures at all.
• Bed bugs and cockroaches live entirely indoors, so winter does not slow them.

Why winter is a good time to act

Fewer pests are moving around outside, so indoor activity is easier to trace to its source. Sealing gaps, correcting moisture problems and setting up rodent monitoring in winter means fewer surprises when spring activity starts.

What to check this month

1. Look for droppings in the garage, under sinks and near the furnace and water heater.
2. Check garage door seals and the gaps around pipes and vents for daylight.
3. Inspect stored dry goods, birdseed and pet food for webbing or live insects.
4. Note any flies or beetles gathering at upper windows on sunny days.

When to call

Call when you see signs of rodents, when insects keep appearing indoors week after week, or when you want to get ahead of spring. Start with our rodent control and mouse control pages, or browse the pest library to identify what you are seeing.